The latest Manchester United transfer news and opinion as the midfielder has reportedly requested to go out on loan before the end of the transfer window.
Kobbie Mainoo is a name who may be talked about a lot both inside and outside of the walls of Carrington between now and the end of the summer transfer window.
The academy graduate burst onto the scene at Old Trafford in the 2023/24 season. Despite being just 18-years-old at the time, he quickly established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet and played a crucial role in the FA Cup final win over rivals Manchester City.
That season saw him make 33 first team appearances in all competitions. Despite injury disrupting his campaign last season, he still managed 37 appearances in all competitions.
But it doesn’t look like it will be the same this time around under Ruben Amorim. Mainoo has been an unused substitute for both of the club’s Premier League games so far.
His only appearance has come in the Carabao Cup loss against League Two side Grimsby Town on Wednesday night.
That has led to claims that the player himself has informed United that he wishes to go out on loan before the end of the window in order to play more regular first team football. It is said that while he does not want to move away permanently, he doesn’t believe that his current situation will help his continuing development.
United however, have reportedly told the 20-year-old that they will not sanction a loan deal this summer and that they expect the midfielder to stay at the club and fight for his place.
But is that the right move for the club? Mainoo is clearly not first choice under Amorim with Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount all seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order.
United are also clearly after a new midfielder before the deadline, amid links to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. It’s an area that Amorim is keen to strengthen further before Monday’s deadline, which would push Mainoo even further down the pecking order.
The loss against Grimsby, plus the lack of Europeans football at Old Trafford this season means that Premier League games will now be the only opportunity for Mainoo to try and break through again up until the FA Cup third round in January. Barring a few injuries in midfield, breaking through could be a difficult task for the player, given the options in front of him.
However, while less games make it less likely, injuries do happen and having Mainoo as an option could come in handy if ther’s players who have to sit games out.
There will also be no real financial benefit for United to sending Mainoo out on loan. Compared to some players in the squad, the midfielder is on a relatively low wage, therefore, even a club paying 100 percent of his salary wouldn’t make too much of a difference. Including a loan fee as part of any deal could be a way to make it more financially appealing to United, but could put some clubs off.
But it’s not just the current finances where a loan deal could be of benefit. If Mainoo stays at United and doesn’t get regular game time, his value is only going to drop, and he is less likely to agree to a new deal with his eyes being on regular game time.
Mainoo has just under two years remaining on his contract. A season without game time and then having a year remaining on his deal would significantly reduce any price United could ask for if they decide to cash in next summer.
However, if he spends a season elsewhere, where he is a regular starter, a good season could have the opposite effect. It would then leave United with more choice next summer,
A positive season would see Mainoo come back full of confidence and ready to challenge again for a starting place. If he then impresses at United a breaks into the midfield, a new contract could be a possibility.
United may also have the option of cashing in next summer. A good season out on loan would catch the eye of suitors and the club would be able to bring in more cash, which would be pure profit in terms of PSR, from the sale, then they would if he sits on the bench at Old Trafford all season.
United don’t have too long to weigh up their options. Clubs have until 7pm on Monday 1 September to complete their transfer business, Mainoo will be hoping that United’s current stance will change between now and then.
2025-08-29 08:40:42
