EPL

Transfer request: Mainoo ‘needs to fight for place’ — Amorim

Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, has told midfielder Kobbie Mainoo he must stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place after the 20-year-old requested a loan move.

Mainoo, a graduate of United’s academy, had asked to leave temporarily in search of more regular minutes, with Serie A champions Napoli among the clubs showing interest.

But the club rejected the approach, insisting they value him as part of their long-term plans.

Speaking on Friday, United head coach Ruben Amorim said he wants Mainoo to stay and “fight” for his place.

“I want Kobbie to stay. He needs to fight for his place, and we need Kobbie. So that is not going to change.

“The rest I don’t know how it’s going to finish. I understand that the players that are not playing in this moment are disappointed, but everyone has the same opportunity to play. You have to fight during the week.”

Mainoo played the full 90 minutes in United’s EFL Cup shootout defeat at Grimsby in midweek, but he was left unused on the bench for both of the club’s opening Premier League matches. Amorim confirmed he views Mainoo as being in direct competition with skipper Bruno Fernandes for a role in midfield.

The Stockport-born player still has three years left on his contract, but talks over a new deal have stalled. While he does not want to leave permanently, there are concerns over how much league football he will see this season.

Mainoo’s rapid rise last campaign made him a beacon during United’s struggles, but Amorim believes the competition for places will help him develop. He praised the youngster’s quick feet, passing range and composure in tight spaces, stressing those qualities will be sharpened under pressure.

Even so, the midfielder’s fears have been heightened by United’s exit from the EFL Cup and failure to qualify for Europe, leaving only the league and FA Cup as opportunities for game time until January.

Mainoo has made 16 starts in 45 appearances since Amorim took charge last November. He broke through under former manager Erik ten Hag, scoring in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, and went on to feature in England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.

However, injuries disrupted his progress last season, and he has not yet been included in an England squad under new boss Thomas Tuchel.

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