Mainoo's dream is shattered.

The English player certainly cannot leave Old Trafford during the mid-season transfer window.

Mainoo is not allowed to leave MU.

According to Sky Sports , Manchester United have closed all doors for Kobbie Mainoo's departure in the 2026 transfer window. This is because the Old Trafford club needs a backup option for Bruno Fernandes, who recently suffered an injury whose severity is still uncertain. Some sources in England reveal that the MU captain will be sidelined for at least a month.

Under Ruben Amorim, MU prioritized a two-central-midfielder formation. Mainoo couldn't compete for a position with Bruno Fernandes, nor did he possess the defensive capabilities to replace Casemiro. This forced the English prodigy to accept a place on the bench.

To date, Mainoo has only played a mere 212 minutes in the Premier League and has yet to score or provide an assist. These alarming statistics will significantly impact the 2005-born player's position in the national team, especially with the 2026 World Cup fast approaching.

Had Bruno not been injured, Mainoo could have negotiated a six-month loan move to Napoli. The reigning Serie A champions had a plan in place for the English player to regain his form and compete for a World Cup spot.

At the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, Mainoo also had the opportunity to compete for the Serie A title and qualify for the Champions League, instead of watching his teammates at Manchester United struggle to earn points in the hope of breaking into the top four.

Source: https://znews.vn/mainoo-tan-mong-post1613665.html