‘Went directly to Amorim’: Romano discloses exactly what was said between unhappy Man United whiz and club chiefs

In partnership with

Stretty News

·4 September 2025

‘Went directly to Amorim’: Romano discloses exactly what was said between unhappy Man United whiz and club chiefs

Despite asking to leave on loan before Monday’s deadline, Kobbie Mainoo will be at Manchester United for the foreseeable future.

Indeed, the midfielder’s wishes were rebuffed by the board, who instead told him to stay and fight for his place.

Video OneFootball

Mainoo’s request to depart came after United’s opening two Premier League games of the campaign, during which he did not feature for a single minute.

Kobbie Mainoo pushed for late window departure

United refused to grant Mainoo a transfer elsewhere. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

He proceeded to play the full tie (including penalties) for last week’s Carabao Cup clash with Grimsby Town before again dropping to the bench for last Saturday’s home win over Burnley. The 20-year-old was called upon to replace Mason Mount at the interval due to an injury, so it remains to be seen if he would’ve featured had Mount stayed fit.

In regards to the teams thought to be sizing up a move for Mainoo, both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid were reportedly among his suitors considering a loan deal. Should he have wished to continue in the Premier League, it’s thought Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United showed interest throughout the summer, while Chelsea are long-term admirers of his talents.

Could Mainoo be on the move in the winter instead?

Unless his minutes increase significantly over the coming months, you’d have to question whether he will again push to leave when the window reopens in January – and Fabrizio Romano believes that just might be the case.

When shedding light on Mainoo’s uncertain Old Trafford situation on YouTube this week, Romano said (as cited by UtdJoshua03): “Kobbie Mainoo, after the Fulham game, went directly to Ruben Amorim and to the club with his agent to say, ‘I’m not happy because here, I don’t play.’

“Manchester United internally decided from what I’m told also with Sir Jim Ratcliffe involved, that they couldn’t sell Kobbie Mainoo. So this was the decision made with all the people involved: directors, CEO, coach and owner.

I think we have some interesting months ahead because if Kobbie Mainoo plays, the situation will be okay, if Kobbie Mainoo stays on the bench, I think this could be a topic again.”