Kobbie Mainoo sends two-word message as Man Utd true colours shown

England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has shared a social media update following his failed attempt to secure a transfer away from Manchester United during the summer window. Mainoo's Old Trafford future seemed uncertain after the youngster pushed for a loan departure last week.

However, the Red Devils stood firm, with manager Ruben Amorim determined to keep hold of the talented midfielder. With Monday's transfer deadline passing without any movement, it became clear the 20-year-old would be staying put at Old Trafford until at least the January window.

Mainoo's eagerness to depart the north west stemmed from his lack of first-team opportunities this campaign. The homegrown talent appears to be putting in the graft during the international break - having been overlooked for England's September World Cup qualifying squad.

"Nothing pretty," he captioned his Instagram post on Friday, sharing multiple images of himself training and working out in the gym. The post drew responses from several United teammates - with Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee amongst those commenting, whilst skipper Bruno Fernandes and Patrick Dorgu showed their support with likes.

Amorim has called on Mainoo to battle for his position in United's starting XI after struggling to cement a regular Premier League berth this term. "I want Kobbie to stay," Amorim declared at a press conference last Friday.

"He needs to fight for his place and we need Kobbie, so that's not going to change. I understand that the players that are not playing in this moment are disappointed.

"Everyone will have the same opportunity to play. You have to fight during the week."

Mainoo is set to be a key player in United's upcoming match - the season's first Manchester derby on September14. The young talent has fond memories of this fixture, having netted a goal in the Reds' FA Cup final victory over Pep Guardiola's squad in 2024. The young star will then have the opportunity to shine against Chelsea - a club that was among several eyeing Mainoo during the summer transfer window.