‘We can’t let him go’ – Sir Jim Ratcliffe personally blocked Man Utd transfer exit with player ‘not happy’

SIR JIM RATCLIFFE personally intervened to ensure Kobbie Mainoo did not complete a Manchester United exit this summer, according to reports.

, 20, is said to have grown frustrated by his lack of minutes under after not starting the first two Premier League games of the season.

Kobbie Mainoo requested to leave Man Utd on loan in the closing days of the window But Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to have personally intervened to prevent that from happening

The highly-rated midfielder then started the shock defeat to Grimsby and was introduced at half-time of the 3-2 win over last weekend.

It is understood Mainoo asked the club to allow him to leave on loan in search of regular playing minutes.

Mainoo made it clear he had no intention of severing ties permanently, with the request made in part to help his chances of playing for in next summer’s 2026 World Cup.

However, it has now been claimed by that a unanimous decision was made by club chiefs, including Ratcliffe, to block any exit for the Carrington graduate.

Speaking on his YouTube channel about the situation, he said: “Kobbie asked to go on loan, he never asked to go on a permanent.

“Never been a possibility, either for Man United or for Kobbie Mainoo. But he did want to go on loan. It was a priority for Kobbie Mainoo to go on loan.

“Man Utd said no, they decided internally, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe involved, that they couldn’t sell Kobbie Mainoo.

“This was a decision made with all the people involved: directors, CEO, coach and owner. ‘We can’t let Kobbie Mainoo go,’ that was the position.”

But Romano also warned that Mainoo may attempt to leave again in January if he is not satisfied with his minutes.

Romano added: “Now we have some interesting months ahead.

“If Kobbie Mainoo plays the situation will be okay, if he stays on the bench I think in January this could be a topic again.”

Injuries to both and – whom Mainoo replaced against – could open the door to a place in the starting XI.

said Mainoo was competing with club captain for position in the team.

Meanwhile, after announcing his England squad for against Andorra and , admitted Mainoo had been left out solely due to a lack of minutes.

He told reporters: “He is on our list of players.

“But at the moment, in his position 6/8/10 in central midfield, we have players who are in full rhythm and who play key parts in their clubs, and this is the next step for him.”

United face tough tests against , and after the international break.

In the meantime, Mainoo sent fans wild after posting a with personal coach Jonas Dodoo.