Manchester United have taken a firm stance on Rúben Amorim’s handling of Kobbie Mainoo amid the player’s request to leave on loan.
Manchester United have allowed 11 players to leave on loan this season as they trim the squad in the absence of European football.
Of those, ten are Academy players gaining experience, while Marcus Rashford is the only senior departure, having joined Barcelona on loan with a £30 million purchase option for next summer.
Alejandro Garnacho is the only permanent sale so far, with the winger set to complete a £40 million move to Chelsea, though further exits are anticipated.
Tyrell Malacia is being linked with a loan switch to La Liga, Rasmus Højlund is close to joining Napoli, and Real Betis continue to push for Antony, though United are unwilling to agree to a loan for the Brazilian.
However, the most intriguing and unsettling development in the last few days has been the future of Kobbie Mainoo, who has reportedly requested to leave on loan this week.
Amorim breaks silence on Mainoo problem
Mainoo finally started his first game of the season when United faced Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup. Despite the loss on penalties, Mainoo was one of United’s best players.
However, with his game time being limited thus far and the player eager to attend the World Cup with England in 2026, Mainoo has requested to leave on loan to secure regular minutes, although the club is said to be blocking any potential exit.
Speaking on Friday afternoon, Amorim was asked about the situation, to which he explained he still feels United need a player such as Mainoo in the squad.
“I want Kobbie to stay. 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.”
United backing Amorim’s handling of Mainoo
Despite Mainoo getting to the point where he has asked to leave his boyhood club on loan for the season, the Manchester Evening News have reported that United’s leadership team, such as CEO Omar Berrada, Director of Football Jason Wilcox, and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, support Amorim’s handling of Mainoo.
It’s detailed that Mainoo is still seen as a key member of the squad at United, but Amorim believes Mainoo still needs to develop aspects of his game to gain a place in the starting XI.
Figures at United reportedly sympathise with Mainoo’s situation after being left as an unused substitute across the two Premier League fixtures so far this season, and have admitted that they cannot afford to lose him so late in the window.
However, if a move were to materialise before the deadline, United would then dip into the market to sign a new midfielder to replace him.
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