Kobbie Mainoo Requests Loan Move at Manchester United In Search of More Playing Time

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has reportedly asked the club to let him leave on loan before the transfer window closes.

The 20-year-old England international wants more regular game time this season. Manager Ruben Amorim has made it clear that Mainoo is competing directly with captain Bruno Fernandes for a starting spot in his 3-4-2-1 system.

Mainoo has not played in either of United’s first two Premier League matches — a 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal and a 1-1 draw at Fulham. However, he did feature for the full 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby Town on Wednesday.

According to The Athletic, Mainoo has told the club he is only interested in a temporary move, not a permanent exit. But United have rejected the request and expect their academy graduate to stay and fight for his place.

The young midfielder made 37 appearances in all competitions last season. Since Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag, he has been used in several different roles, including defensive midfield, box-to-box, attacking midfield and even as a false nine.

For now, United remain firm that Mainoo will not leave — either on loan or permanently — as the club sees him as an important part of their plans.