The latest Manchester United transfer news and speculation sees Kobbie Mainoo linked with a move away from Old Trafford
Manchester United academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo continues to be linked with a summer switch away from Old Trafford having struggled to nail down a spot on Ruben Amorim’s starting XI.
The England international has been in talks with United over a new deal, but the 20-year-old turned down the club’s initial proposal at the start of 2025, with Chelsea linked with a move for the midfielder back in the January transfer window.
Mainoo endured two length injury lay-offs last season and has started just 15 games since Amorim was appointed at Old Trafford. He has two-years remaining on the deal he signed when he was a 17-year-old, with his contract set to expire in 2027, though United do have the option of an additional year.
When recently asked about Mainoo’s future at the club, Amorim stated it was down to director of football Jason Wilcox to agree new terms with players.”That part is with Jason, so he is our player,” Amorim said. “He has a contract, I didn’t hear any news about that.”
Although Mainoo has struggled for minutes and hasn’t yet started a game this season, the lack of central midfield options means he’ll likely stay at the club beyond the September deadline. Nonetheless, that hasn’t stopped speculation increasing in relation to Mainoo’s future.
A recent report from The Athletic claims Mainoo ‘is open to leave Manchester United‘ due to Amorim prefering other midfield options, though the England international’s options are limited.
It would come as a major disappointment for the United faithful if Mainoo were to depart, given the Stockport-born star has already made it clear that playing for Manchester United has been a dream of his since joining the academy as a nine-year-old.
“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,” he told TNT Sports after scoring a 97th winner for United against Wolves in a 4-3 winner at Molineux back in 2024.
“To start playing in the Premier League for my boyhood club has been amazing. Now it’s about trying to win more games.”
Unlike the Janaury transfer window, where Mainoo was heavily linked with a move to Premier League rivals Chelsea, there’s been very little speculation about his future.
Leeds United have been linked with a move for the England international, though there’s very little to suggest the newly promoted side will make a move at this stage, especially seeing as Daniel Farke admitted his midfield transfer business was complete earlier this month.
“We play with two midfielders and it is a different way of playing,” Amorim made clear ahead of the trip to Fulham last weekend, regarding Mainoo’s lack of minutes. “They have to understand, the young players, there are phases in the season.
“Nowadays it’s normal, with a lot of games, things are going to change. But he is there, he is fighting, he is training, he is one more option for us to win games.”
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2025-08-26 16:00:00
