Manchester United are entering a crucial stage of the transfer window with just days remaining before the 7pm deadline on Monday, September 1.
The Reds are still seeking to bolster their midfield options after a frustrating start to the Premier League campaign, which included disappointing results against Arsenal and Fulham.
Ruben Amorim has been juggling squad rotation and injuries, with Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui inching closer to full fitness, while new signings Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbuemo, and Matheus Cunha adjust to life at Old Trafford.
Off the pitch, speculation continues to swirl around several first-team players, with interest from other clubs prompting careful monitoring by United’s hierarchy.
Among those in the spotlight is Kobbie Mainoo, whose future has become a talking point after the 20-year-old indicated he would like to leave on loan before the transfer deadline.
However, Manchester United are resisting letting Mainoo go, as the club view him as a key squad player.
While Kobbie Mainoo has made his intentions clear, United believe they cannot afford to lose him at this stage.
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According to the Manchester Evening News, United would only consider moving for a new midfielder if they relent and allow Mainoo to depart within the next 80 hours.
Mainoo, who has recovered from a muscular injury sustained in February, has started just 15 times under Amorim, despite featuring in multiple positions, including central midfield, one of the two No.10 roles, and even up front in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.
More experienced options and new arrivals now occupy those roles, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro starting together in the opening Premier League fixtures.
Mainoo could return to the bench for Saturday’s clash with Burnley at Old Trafford.
United sympathise with Mainoo’s situation after he remained unused in defeats to Arsenal and Fulham.
The academy graduate, who scored the winner in the 2024 FA Cup final against Manchester City and started for England in the European Championship final later that year, has made 73 appearances for the club.
Contract negotiations, however, have stalled, with Mainoo rejecting United’s opening offer earlier this year, creating uncertainty around his long-term future.
