Manchester United will reportedly refuse to let midfielder Kobbie Mainoo leave the club in the January transfer window, despite the player’s desire for more regular first-team action.
Transfer Block: Manchester United Will Keep Hold of Mainoo
According to sources, the club is expected to block any potential departure for the 20-year-old, mirroring their decision from the summer window.
At that time, Mainoo formally requested a loan switch after his representatives received around a dozen enquiries from other clubs.
United officials assured him he would be an important squad member and receive opportunities, but his playing time has remained severely limited this season.
So far this campaign, Mainoo has been restricted to just 113 minutes in the Premier League across five appearances, with his only start coming in the shock Carabao Cup defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town.
This situation has placed the England international in a difficult position, with concerns growing that his lack of action could jeopardize his chances of being selected for England’s 2026 World Cup squad.
Manager Ruben Amorim has consistently stated that Mainoo is in direct competition with club captain Bruno Fernandes for a role in the team.
This competition, coupled with the presence of Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro, has made it difficult for the academy graduate to break into the starting lineup.
A significant factor complicating any potential exit is Mainoo’s status as an academy graduate.
United are proud of a historic record of having included at least one homegrown player in every matchday squad for the past 87 years, and with a limited number of graduates currently in the senior squad, letting Mainoo go would risk breaking that tradition.
Amorim has publicly stated he does not want to be the manager who ends that streak.
Despite the frustration, Mainoo is maintaining professionalism. During the recent international break, he was documented undertaking a personal training regime in Spain to maintain peak condition, signaling his commitment to winning his place back.
With his current contract running until 2027, United hold the power to resist any mid-season offers. For now, the club’s stance remains firm, leaving Mainoo in a state of limbo as he waits for his opportunity at Old Trafford.
