Manchester United send Man City dig amid Kobbie Mainoo rejection report

Manchester United have sent rivals Manchester City a subtle dig following recent reports on academy star Kobbie Mainoo.

Mainoo, 18, has emerged as one of United’s key players this season under Erik ten Hag. He scored a crucial winning goal last time out against Wolves.

The teenager made his first Premier League start against Everton in November after returning from an injury he sustained during pre-season.

Now, Mainoo is set to make his 10th appearance in the league against West Ham on Sunday afternoon, and United have uploaded a subtle dig to their City rivals on their social media page.

Reports emerged earlier this season that Manchester City were interested in Mainoo and the Manchester Evening News have clarified that United’s rivals have tried many times before to persuade the Stockport-born midfielder to switch allegiances.

However, Mainoo has rejected them at every turn. United were even described as ‘relaxed’ with City’s long-standing interest because the teenagers chose to stay at every time.

Ahead of kick-off against West Ham, United posted an image of Mainoo’s shirt in the changing room on social media platform X, formally known as Twitter, with a caption that seemed to mock the interest from City.

Speaking after his winning goal last time out, Mainoo said:

“It is a dream come true. It is a tough place to come. We had to get the win. I have still not come down from it. I still feel like I am dreaming, to be honest.

“To start playing in the Premier League for my boyhood club has been amazing. Now it’s about trying to win more games.”