Manchester United Reject January Exit for Kobbie Mainoo Amidst Intense Transfer Interest

Written by Pavel Kateliev

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, | Updated: October 15, 2025

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo

Key Takeaways:

Manchester United intend to prevent Kobbie Mainoo from leaving during the January transfer window
Mainoo has made only one starting appearance under Ruben Amorim this season and has lost his England spot
Over a dozen European clubs, including Napoli, have reportedly shown interest in Mainoo

United Stand Their Ground on Mainoo Transfer Speculation

Manchester United have decided to refuse any proposals for Kobbie Mainoo to depart Old Trafford in the forthcoming January window. Despite the midfielder’s own desire to move out on loan last summer, the club’s stance is to retain his services and not sanction his exit even temporarily.

Kobbie Mainoo is seriously pushing for a move in January, Barcelona and Napoli are interested in taking him on loan. Reds should we let him leave? #MUFC #TransferNews pic.twitter.com/owTmDMI3GM
— 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗡𝗔 (@DNA_MUFC) October 14, 2025

Limited Playing Time and National Team Implications

Under the management of Ruben Amorim this campaign, Mainoo has struggled to break into the first team, being named a regular starter only on a single instance so far. As a result of these limited opportunities, he has been dropped from the England national team selection. Head coach Thomas Tuchel is reported to have no intention of recalling Mainoo until the player re-establishes himself as a starter at Manchester United and secures consistent playing time.

Competition for Places and Transfer Approaches

Manager Ruben Amorim has opted to favour club captain Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte in midfield, leaving Mainoo frustrated with his lack of minutes. This situation has led the Stockport-born midfielder to request a transfer to another club where more playing opportunities would be available to him. Nevertheless, despite acknowledged interest from more than a dozen European sides, including Italian giants Napoli, Manchester United have made it clear that they will reject all approaches for Mainoo in January.