Rúben Amorim has responded to media questions after Kobbie Mainoo requested to leave Manchester United on loan this week.
Manchester United have sanctioned 11 loan departures this season as they look to streamline the squad following their absence from European competition.
Ten of those moves involve Academy prospects seeking regular minutes, with Marcus Rashford the only senior player to leave on loan, joining Barcelona, who hold a £30 million option to buy next summer.
The club’s sole permanent exit to date is Alejandro Garnacho, who is set to join Chelsea for a straight £40 million fee, though more departures are expected.
Tyrell Malacia is reportedly attracting interest from La Liga over a potential loan, while Rasmus Højlund is nearing a move to Napoli. Real Betis remain keen on Antony, but United are reluctant to sanction a loan deal for the Brazilian.
However, with the transfer window set to close on Monday evening, the most interesting and live-wire situation at United is the potential exit of Kobbie Mainoo.
United do not want Mainoo to leave
Reports on Thursday evening broke that Mainoo had requested that United send him on loan for the coming season, as he wants regular game time to develop himself.
Mainoo is aiming to be part of England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, but feels his minutes will be limited at United.
The 20-year-old made it clear that he has no intention of severing ties with his boyhood club and only wants to leave on loan before rejoining the squad next summer.
However, the club have rebuffed his request for a loan move, with Amorim’s side determined to keep him and value him as a key player who must fight for his place at Old Trafford.
Amorim breaks silence on Mainoo drama
Mainoo was finally afforded his first start of the season as the club fell to a shock defeat against Grimsby Town, although he was one of the best players on the pitch.
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Amorim held a press conference with journalists on Friday afternoon in the aftermath of the loss and Mainoo’s request, and was asked about the player’s future.
“I want Kobbie to stay,” Amorim confirmed. “He needs to fight for his place, and we need Kobbie. So that is not going to change.”
He continued: “I understand that the players that are not playing in this moment are disappointed, but everyone will have the same opportunity to play. You have to fight during the week.”
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