Ineos take position on Kobbie Mainoo potentially leaving Manchester United on loan in January 2026

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Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has had a tough start to the season under Ruben Amorim.

Exiting the second international break, it is bizarre to say that Kobbie Mainoo does not have a single Premier League start to his name in 2025/26.

Mainoo was Manchester United’s breakout midfield star two years ago, even scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup Final.

New head coach Ruben Amorim has not been convinced by his fit into his system, and as a result, Mainoo has played only 115 minutes of Premier League action.

Mainoo grew restless at the end of the summer 2025 transfer window, and saw a request to leave the club on loan denied by Ineos.

He wants to play regular football and has been determined to force his way back into the team, but has been unsuccessful.

Manchester United do not intend to allow Kobbie Mainoo exit

Kobbie Mainoo has been left out of both England squads in the two international breaks so far this season.

His chances of landing a place at World Cup 2026 hang in the balance, with the midfielder expected to pursue an exit if his situation does not improve.

United In Focus understand that regardless of Mainoo’s personal desires, Ineos have no plans to allow him to leave in the January transfer window.

Insider Graeme Bailey explains: “Speaking to sources within the club – as far as they are concerned in terms of Kobbie Mainoo’s future, in the short-term it is still at Old Trafford.

“United insist they have no plans to let him leave in January, be it loan or permanent.”

The midfield position is Manchester United’s biggest question mark despite the lack of game time afforded to Mainoo.

United could pursue another midfielder in the January transfer window, which may conceivably see the club’s stance on Mainoo soften, at least in terms of a loan move.

But as it stands, Ineos are planning for Mainoo to stay, and the midfielder has every incentive to fight for his spot at Old Trafford and improve his situation.

Mainoo contract dilemma

Kobbie Mainoo’s contract situation looms large in the background of his fight for his place and potential loggerheads with United over a January move.

Mainoo’s deal runs to 2027 with an option to June 2028, and the club have failed to tie the star down to an extension.

Bailey adds: “United are still quiet on his prospective new contract which has been nearly two years in the pipeline. 2026 is going to be a big year for Mainoo… one way or another.”

United began negotiating with the midfielder in 2024 after a new deal, and are paying now for failing to close the deal.

The club are going to be unwilling to overpay salary for a player who is not considered a starter, while Mainoo is going to be less likely to want to commit in a situation where he is not being valued.