I blocked his move — Amorim insists 20-year-old Mainoo going nowhere this summer

Ruben Amorim is desperate to keep Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United amid growing speculation over the midfielder's future.

Mainoo, 20, is allegedly interested in a loan move to secure regular playing time and boost his chances of making the England squad for the 2026 World Cup. However, United have reportedly rejected his request, expecting him to stay and compete for his spot.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Amorim insisted that he wants Mainoo to stay and fight for his place at the club.

"Until it is official, I cannot say much. I want Kobbie [Mainoo] to stay. He needs to fight for his place. We need Kobbie.

"I understand that the players who aren't playing in this moment are disappointed. You have to fight during the week," he told reporters.

Mainoo played the full 90 minutes of United's EFL Cup defeat to Grimsby Town on Wednesday but has been an unused substitute in their two Premier League games this season.

With the club out of Europe and the EFL Cup, their schedule will be limited to Premier League matches until their FA Cup run begins next January.