Kobbie Mainoo has told Manchester United he wants to leave the club before the transfer deadline closes. The England midfielder is concerned about his status as a substitute under new manager Ruben Amorim and believes a loan move would be best for his development.
The 20-year-old was an unused substitute in United's first two Premier League games against Arsenal and Fulham. Amorim has tactical concerns about how Mainoo fits into his preferred 3-4-3 system, with the midfielder struggling to secure a regular starting position.
Transfer request meeting
According to Metro, Mainoo informed United bosses of his desire for a loan move during a Thursday meeting. Multiple clubs across Europe have expressed interest in signing the academy graduate, who broke through to become an England regular last season.
Manchester United remain unconvinced about allowing their young star to leave. However, The i reports that the club would now accept considerably less than the £70 million they quoted Chelsea in January.
Potential destinations emerge
Metro reports that Erik ten Hag is believed to be keen on reuniting with Mainoo at Bayer Leverkusen. The former United manager knows the player well from their time together at Old Trafford.
Brighton's Carlos Baleba has been earmarked as a potential replacement, according to The i. However, the Premier League club's asking price of more than £100 million serves as a significant deterrent for United.
England ambitions at stake
Mainoo's reduced playing time could impact his chances of making England's World Cup squad. The midfielder scored in the FA Cup final and participated in Euro 2024 after his breakthrough 2023-24 season.
With the transfer window closing soon, both player and club face crucial decisions about Mainoo's immediate future.
Sources used: "Mirror", "Metro", "The i" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
