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Kobbie Mainoo asks Manchester United for loan move amid World Cup 2026 hopes

Originally posted on HITC | By Dan Coombs | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 6:41 AM ET

There could be a bit more understanding around what’s happening with Kobbie Mainoo.

The midfielder was back in the Manchester United starting XI for the Grimsby Town match, making his first appearance of the season.

Mainoo didn’t feature in either of the opening two Premier League fixtures and there are concerns he could be benched again when Burnley visit Old Trafford this weekend.

Despite setting up Bryan Mbeumo’s goal, it ended up being a frustrating night for United as they crashed out on penalties. There had already been questions about his situation before kick-off, given how quietly he’d started the campaign.

Mainoo looking for playing time ahead of 2026 World Cup

Kobbie Mainoo is determined to find regular minutes, with an eye on making England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

That goal looks harder to reach if Ruben Amorim continues to leave him out of Premier League line-ups.

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David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that Mainoo has asked Manchester United for a loan move in order to get more playing time.

It’s not a permanent move he’s after – just a chance to play more regularly before returning.

The club, though, have pushed back, telling Mainoo they expect him to stay and compete for his place rather than go out on loan.

Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

From the club’s perspective, this makes sense. Sending him out wouldn’t do much besides offering a short-term fix.

The Daily Mail recently linked Real Madrid with an interest in Mainoo, adding another layer to his situation at United.

Kobbie Mainoo thinks about loan move

Kobbie Mainoo is eager to play regularly, especially with an eye on securing a spot in England’s World Cup 2026 squad.

That goal looks at risk if Ruben Amorim continues to leave him out of the starting line-up in the Premier League.

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Mainoo has told Manchester United he would like to go out on loan.

It’s understood that Mainoo isn’t looking for a permanent move away from Old Trafford—he simply wants more playing time elsewhere for a while.

But United have already responded by telling Mainoo they expect him to stay and fight for his place at the club, and won’t agree to a loan exit. That decision makes sense. Sending him out on loan does little for Manchester United beyond temporarily appeasing him.

The Daily Mail has also mentioned Real Madrid among the clubs showing interest in Mainoo, though nothing concrete has developed yet.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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