Manchester United would have wanted to be done with transfer dealings by this stage, but it looks set to be a busy deadline weekend.
The recruitment side of Manchester United’s summer is universally praised as some real quality has arrived through the doors at Old Trafford, offering substantial upgrades in attack.
So far, the trio of attackers has only managed one goal between them, but when it clicks, it will be impressive, as Matheus Cunha in particular could have at least four already.
However, it is on the outgoings front that United have been less impressive, with Marcus Rashford’s loan to Barcelona the only big-name move completed prior to the deadline weekend.
Alejandro Garnacho is now set to follow Rashford out the door, with his £40m move to Chelsea now imminent after a summer-long desire to make the deal happen.
Rasmus Hojlund is also expected to leave this weekend; however, it is Kobbie Mainoo at the forefront of fans’ concerns.
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United standing looking annoyed vs Grimsby.
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Kobbie Mainoo still looking to leave Manchester United on loan
It has been a long few weeks of this season already, and many United supporters will be desperate to see the transfer window close with Mainoo still at the club.
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Mainoo has asked to leave United on loan, as he seeks game-time, which he currently isn’t getting under Ruben Amorim, ahead of the World Cup next year. United has refused this request, telling Mainoo that he needs to fight for his place.
However, after speaking with Graeme Bailey, United in Focus understands that Mainoo remains hopeful of leaving the club on loan after United told him he would not be sold.
Mainoo’s camp believes a loan could be hugely beneficial to the player, and then his future can be assessed next summer. Mainoo firmly believes he can be part of Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad, but only if he gets first-team football.
Mainoo does have options – as United in Focus revealed earlier this week.
We can also confirm that there are options abroad, including RB Leipzig and Marseille. We are told that Roberto De Zerbi has a real interest in Mainoo, who could help fill the void soon to be left by Adrien Rabiot.
Bailey then continues to explain that the situation could yet change before Monday’s deadline.
“United have listened to Mainoo and his people in terms of wanting football, but they are inclined to keep him, but the player is not happy, and let’s see how this pans out by Monday.
“It seems United would not consider letting him move within England despite nearly half the Premier League being keen.
“But there are big clubs on the continent keen and keep an eye on Marseille – could Mainoo link up with fellow former United starlets Angel Gomes and Mason Greenwood? They would take him for sure and regular Champions League football, it is easy to see the appeal for Mainoo.”
Manchester United’s refusal to loan Mainoo adds pressure on Ruben Amorim
In his demand to leave on loan, Mainoo made it clear that he has no intention of severing ties and simply wants more regular football.
This is hardly a crazy request with Amorim giving Mainoo zero Premier League minutes this season after two games in which the midfield has been pretty horrendous.
However, in United’s defeat to Grimsby, Amorim will have seen Mainoo can partner Bruno Fernandes and that it might be his best option with the defensive midfielders in the squad simply not good enough.
If United are refusing Mainoo heading on loan, then Amorim quite simply has to play the 20-year-old midfielder and give him enough minutes to keep him happy and let him develop.
Mainoo was the only good United performer against Grimsby, and so that alone should see him start against Burnley; time for Amorim to get his career back on track.