Manchester United are struggling to keep hold of one of their brightest wonderkids with less than three days left in the transfer window.
According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, “Kobbie Mainoo has asked again to Man United about chance to go on loan in the final 48 hours of the summer window”.
The Red Devils are insisting that he has no chance of leaving Old Trafford.
Mainoo expressed his desire to secure a temporary loan move after the horror Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town on Wednesday evening.
The 20-year-old has featured in only one of the three games United have played this term.
He was left on the bench in the first two Premier League games, with manager Ruben Amorim favouring Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.
Manuel Ugarte came off the bench ahead of him to replace the Brazilian.
Manager Ruben Amorim was quizzed on the future of the United academy star yesterday.
He said he “needed” Mainoo to stay and “fight for his place“.
Amorim sees Mainoo as a direct rival to Fernandes for the number eight role.
Displacing the club captain is a near-impossible task, as he is the heartbeat of this fractured squad.
Mainoo’s desire to leave can also be tied to the World Cup scheduled next year.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has already overlooked him for the squad set to play next month’s qualifiers.
It could all be part of a clever ploy from the midfielder’s camp.
Mainoo is yet to sign the new contract placed on the table by United.
His agent is pushing for a sky-high pay rise that mirrors Mainoo’s rapid rise at both club and international level.
Should he depart, Amorim will be left with only Ugarte, Casemiro, and Fernandes as senior midfield options.
That scenario may force United to scramble for a late midfield signing on deadline day.