Sources: Kobbie Mainoo unlikely to leave Man United on loan, with potential for opportunities under Erik ten Hag

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is unlikely to go out on loan this month despite interest from various EFL clubs, with one reason being the potential for first-team minutes as the season progresses.

Mainoo, 17, has been at United since the age of nine and is known as one of the most talented players in the current youth set-up. He was integral to the under-18s FA Youth Cup victory last season and has impressed in the under-21s this term.

A club source told UtdDistrict earlier this month that a number of United’s under-21s players were being considered for loan moves this month. Shola Shoretire completed his temporary move to Bolton on Thursday, whilst Di’Shon Bernard is targeting a move to the Championship. Charlie McNeill could also head out on loan, with considerable interest in the young striker amongst the EFL as well.

However, UtdDistrict have since been told that Mainoo is unlikely to be leaving the club on loan this month, despite club sources admitting there was a good amount of interest in the midfielder from clubs within the Football League.

The decision-making process of deciding the best move forward for a young player is complex. Sources added that Erik ten Hag came together to make this choice with technical director Darren Fletcher and director of football John Murtough, as well as head of academy Nick Cox and youth coaches Travis Binnion and Mark Dempsey.

United believe that Mainoo is still benefiting from playing matches with the under-21s and training alongside Ten Hag’s squad, especially since he is still just 17 years of age and in the early stages of training with the squad at Carrington. There is also a belief that the talented midfielder could gain further opportunities in the first-team as the season progresses.

The Reds are the only English club still in four competitions, and United’s depth in midfield is still thin despite the added quality from summer signings Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.

Mainoo made his Manchester United debut earlier this month in United’s win against Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup. He played 60 minutes before being replaced by Casemiro. The teenager has also appeared on the bench in the Premier League three times so far this season.

Ten Hag has shown trust in Alejandro Garnacho this season and the Argentine has not disappointed. The manager believes that the progression of youth is vital at Old Trafford.

“It’s a bonus for us as a club that you bring in young players and they can come not only into the squad but the team,” he said. “And I think that is a part of our project that has to contribute to our success.”