Transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided some insight into Manchester United’s decision not to loan out Kobbie Mainoo as he continues to flourish in the Red Devils’ first-team.
Still only 18 years of age, Mainoo has slotted in brilliantly into Erik ten Hag’s senior side after coming up through the Man Utd academy, so there clearly wasn’t much need for him to go out on loan and gain some experience like many players of his age group tend to do at this stage in their careers.
Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside, Romano explained that United felt it was crucial to make Mainoo feel important at the club, so he was never really considered as someone who would go out on loan.
“Kobbie Mainoo – This talented Manchester United youngster continues to impress, and it’s worth noting that it was never possible for him to be considered as someone to go out on loan,” Romano said.
“Man United always wanted to involve Kobbie with the first-team rather than sending him out on loan – it was crucial for Man United to make him feel important since day one.”
United have a proud history of bringing through top players from their academy, and it looks like Mainoo is the latest gem to develop at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay are others in this current side who were homegrown by MUFC, while the Sir Alex Ferguson era notably had some legendary players come up through the academy, such as Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham and the Neville brothers.