It seems as though Kobbie Mainoo isn’t the only Manchester United player disgruntled with his game time since 2025/2026 got underway.
After not featuring for a single minute in the first two Premier League fixtures of the term, the midfielder expressed his desire to leave on loan to the board this week, as verified by transfer expert David Ornstein.
United react to Kobbie Mainoo loan request
However, United’s key decision-makers have refused to grant Mainoo’s wishes, instead informing him that he is expected to stay and fight for his place under Ruben Amorim.
It’s a pretty bizarre stance for the club to take, especially given he made it clear in talks that he had no intention of leaving permanently; he only wants to secure a temporary move to secure a prominent role elsewhere for the campaign.
What’s also likely to be factoring into his newly adopted stance is that the World Cup is on the horizon, and it was confirmed this morning that Mainoo had been left out of Thomas Tuchel’s squad for England’s forthcoming September fixtures. He played an integral role for the Three Lions at Euro 2024 and will have every hope of doing so again next year.
Is Chido Obi also displeased with his playing situation?
Along with Mainoo, fans have also acknowledged that Chido Obi has not been utilised by Amorim so far this season – not even for the midweek trip to League Two outfit Grimsby Town, whereas youngsters Ayden Heaven, Tyler Fredricson and Diego Leon were all included in the matchday squad.
Chido Obi has now scored 15 goals in 16 matches across U18 & U21 level since joining Manchester United last summer.
Excellent output. 🔝 pic.twitter.com/ZCmtqyiPi2
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 22, 2025
The young Dane, who signed from Arsenal’s academy in Autumn 2024, has since made some changes to his Instagram account; he’s removed a picture of himself and Amorim from his icon, replacing it with a snap of the back of his shirt, as well as deleting United from his bio.
🚨Chido Obi Martins removes Manchester United from his Instagram bio.
Would you take him back? 👀 pic.twitter.com/kVSLitC9hs
— Sxnti (@PeakSxnti) August 28, 2025
United have already facilitated the exits of homegrown stars Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford over the last year, while Alejandro Garnacho has agreed an imminent switch to Chelsea, so it’s no wonder that the Old Trafford faithful are beginning to question what’s going on behind the scenes.
