Kobbie Mainoo told to stay and fight as Man Utd reject loan request

By Simon Peach, PA Chief Football Writer

Manchester United want Kobbie Mainoo to stay and fight for his place after rejecting the homegrown midfielder’s request to leave on loan, the PA news agency understands.

The 20-year-old academy graduate has made 73 first-team appearances and scored seven goals for the Red Devils, including in the 2024 FA Cup final win against rivals Manchester City.

Alejandro Garnacho scored the other goal in that Wembley triumph and is set to join Chelsea in the coming days after United agreed to sell the wantaway winger for £40million.

Unlike the Argentina international, Mainoo is believed to still see a future at Old Trafford but he is understood to have asked about a loan exit in search of regular action as Monday’s deadline approaches.

The midfielder was an unused substitute in the Red Devils’ opening two Premier League matches and played the entirety of Wednesday’s embarrassing Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby.

PA understands United will not sanction a loan and have expressed to Mainoo that they value him and want him to stay to fight for a spot in Ruben Amorim’s side.

The midfielder started for England in the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain but has not played for the national team since last September.

Mainoo has yet to feature under Thomas Tuchel, who names his squad for September’s fixtures on Friday.