Mason Greenwood Reunion with Kobbie Mainoo? Marseille Enter Running for Want-Away Man Utd Midfielder

A Twist in Manchester United’s Youth Saga

Manchester United have always prided themselves on their ability to produce homegrown talent. From the Busby Babes to the Class of ‘92, the conveyor belt of young players has been a lifeline for the club. But in 2025, that tradition is facing a complicated chapter.

The latest name at the centre of uncertainty is Kobbie Mainoo. Once heralded as the jewel of United’s midfield future, the 20-year-old is now actively pushing for more playing time. His request for a loan move has caught the attention of several clubs, with Olympique de Marseille now emerging as serious contenders.

If the French club get their way, Mainoo could soon be lining up alongside former United academy graduates Mason Greenwood and Angel Gomes in Ligue 1 — a reunion that would spark plenty of intrigue on both sides of the Channel.

What Happened?

According to United in Focus, Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi is keen on bringing Mainoo to the south of France. The Italian tactician, known for his work in developing young players during his stints at Sassuolo and Brighton, reportedly views the midfielder as a perfect addition to his project.

It’s not the first time Mainoo has been linked with a move abroad. RB Leipzig are also monitoring his situation, with the Bundesliga club having built a reputation for polishing raw English talent. But Marseille’s ability to offer a familiar environment — with Greenwood already thriving there — could tip the scales in their favour.

Initially, Ruben Amorim and the United hierarchy were adamant about blocking any exit. However, the stance appears to be softening, provided the move is outside of the Premier League. The reasoning is simple: United don’t want to strengthen domestic rivals while they continue to rebuild under Amorim.

The Bigger Picture: Why Mainoo Wants Out

Fulham v Manchester United – Premier League

Mainoo’s desire to leave, at least temporarily, comes down to one thing: game time.

So far this season, he has been an unused substitute in both of United’s Premier League matches — a 2-1 loss to Arsenal and a 0-0 draw with Fulham. His only start came in the disastrous Carabao Cup second-round defeat to Grimsby Town, a humiliation that piled further pressure on Amorim.

For Mainoo, watching from the sidelines is no longer enough. At just 20, he is desperate to develop his game by playing consistently at senior level. His camp has reportedly made it clear to the club that if minutes aren’t forthcoming, a loan move must be sanctioned.

The timing is particularly significant because of the 2026 World Cup. England manager Thomas Tuchel recently left Mainoo out of the squad for qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, opting instead for Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson. Mainoo and his representatives believe the only way to change Tuchel’s mind is through regular football.

Did You Know?

• Mainoo is a product of United’s famous Carrington academy, joining the club at the age of nine.

• He was part of the England squad that won the U-19 European Championship in 2022.

• Despite being just 20, he has already played under three different United managers — Erik ten Hag, Michael Carrick (interim), and now Ruben Amorim.

• He has represented England at every youth level and is tipped to be a senior international regular by 2026.

The Greenwood & Gomes Factor

One of the most fascinating subplots to the Marseille link is the presence of two familiar faces: Mason Greenwood and Angel Gomes.

Greenwood, of course, left United under controversial circumstances but has rebuilt his career in France, becoming a talisman for Marseille. Gomes, meanwhile, departed Old Trafford in 2020 after failing to agree a new contract and has since blossomed in European football.

For Mainoo, the chance to join two former Carrington graduates — both of whom understand the pressure and politics of Manchester United — could be appealing. Greenwood, in particular, has reportedly been thriving under De Zerbi, and his resurgence might serve as inspiration for the midfielder.

What Amorim Must Decide

The pressure is mounting on Ruben Amorim. His first few months in charge have been rocky, with United still winless in the league and eliminated early from the Carabao Cup. Fans are restless, the board is watching closely, and the young manager cannot afford to mishandle promising talents like Mainoo.

There are two clear options:

1. Find a role for Mainoo at Old Trafford — easing him into midfield rotations alongside Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Kobbie’s fellow academy graduate Scott McTominay.

2. Allow a loan move — giving Mainoo the freedom to develop elsewhere before reassessing next summer.

Both paths carry risk. Keep him and he stagnates on the bench, and United risk alienating one of their brightest stars. Loan him out, and there’s the chance he thrives elsewhere and questions are asked about why he wasn’t trusted at home.

Fan Reaction

On social media, United fans have been debating Mainoo’s future passionately:

• “We cannot let another academy gem slip away. Play him or regret it.”

• “If he needs a loan to grow, then send him abroad. Marseille is better than losing him permanently.”

• “This feels like another Pogba situation waiting to happen.”

Supporters are split, but there is a common thread: nobody wants to see Mainoo leave permanently.

What Next for Mainoo?

The transfer window is closing fast, and a resolution must be reached within days. If United do approve a loan, Marseille look well-placed to strike, though Leipzig remain in the mix.

The 20-year-old, for his part, has been described as “determined” to secure a move if opportunities do not arise. His long-term loyalty to United is not in question — his camp insists a permanent exit is off the table — but short-term solutions are now a necessity.

For United, the clock is ticking. If Amorim continues to overlook Mainoo in upcoming fixtures, expect the noise around Marseille’s pursuit to grow louder.

Final Word: A Defining Decision

Manchester United have faced many crossroads in their long history, and how they handle Kobbie Mainoo could be another. Letting a gifted academy midfielder slip away, even temporarily, is always risky. But keeping him sidelined during a crucial development stage might be worse.

For Marseille, the appeal is obvious. A young, hungry midfielder, already tested at one of the biggest clubs in the world, could add depth and energy to their squad. And the narrative of reuniting with Greenwood and Gomes adds an extra layer of intrigue.

For Mainoo himself, the situation is simple: he wants to play. Whether that’s in Manchester, Marseille, or Leipzig, the coming weeks will define his trajectory for club and country.

Whatever happens, one thing is clear — this is not just another transfer rumour. This is a test of United’s ability to nurture their next generation, a reminder of how fine the margins are between potential fulfilled and potential lost.