Manchester United’s new rising star insists on leaving, Amrabat tries to hold him back! Mount and Cunha injuries may increase his playing chances

In the Premier League game between Manchester United and Burnley, 20-year-old Cody Menoe returned to the bench. Without Mason Mount’s unexpected injury in the first half, this young English talent might have barely played. Although he was substituted in early in the second half, Menoe’s display was not impressive. His prospects at Manchester United remain bleak.

English media revealed that during Thursday’s meeting, Menoe’s agent asked Manchester United to loan him out for development. The club rejected this proposal, unwilling to loan him; if he leaves, it would have to be a permanent transfer. However, the Red Devils’ young star seems reluctant to depart completely, believing he might still have a chance, especially if Ruben Amrabat is dismissed and the new manager abandons the 3-4-3 formation.

Amrabat clearly stated that Menoe would have to compete with captain Bruno Fernandes for a starting spot, which indirectly means he would be a substitute since Bruno is known as an "iron man"—last season he played 57 out of 60 matches. Since the start of this year, Menoe has only started eight Premier League games.

Making matters worse, Menoe’s limited playing time at Manchester United led to his exclusion from the England squad by new coach Tuchel. For this international break’s European World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Sevilla, he was once again unsurprisingly left out.

Tuchel commented on Menoe saying, “He deserved to start in the European Championship final against Spain; his performance was excellent. At that time, he was performing well at the club, so his national team selection was natural. He was fearless and brought youthful energy. But now, he is experiencing a different reality.”

The England manager urged Menoe to play more regularly at his club. “Sometimes you feel pressure at your club, and changes can work against you. He lacks playing time. I believe he has the experience, ability, quality, and talent to be in our squad. He is a candidate. However, currently, the positions he plays—number 6, 8, or 10—are occupied by players in top form who play key roles at their clubs. That is the next step he needs to achieve.”

After Manchester United refused to loan Menoe on Thursday, Amrabat did not discuss the issue with him face-to-face. But at the pre-match press conference, the United manager declared that Menoe would stay: “I can’t say much until it’s official. But I want Cody to remain; he needs to fight for his place, and we need him. So, that won’t change. As for the remaining matches, I don’t know what will happen. I understand those not playing now feel disappointed. Everyone has the same opportunity to play, and they must work hard within the week.”

The Daily Mail reported that Menoe remains determined to seek a move in the final days of the transfer window. He loves Manchester United, the club he has supported since childhood, but he craves more regular playing time, especially in a World Cup year. Ideally, he wants to be a starter at United, but Amrabat’s 3-4-3 system doesn’t suit him, creating an unsolvable dilemma.

Therefore, Menoe has clearly expressed that while he has always aspired to make his mark at Manchester United, given the current situation, the best choice for his career is to find a new path. Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Menoe reiterated his desire to leave.

Manchester United’s position has become more complicated due to Menoe’s contract renewal issues. Back in February, both sides reached a verbal agreement on new terms, but negotiations broke down after the player’s agent demanded a weekly wage of £200,000. Six months later, the new contract has yet to be formally offered to Menoe.

Menoe’s situation has attracted attention from some Champions League clubs, who have inquired about loan possibilities and even discussed permanent transfers. If Manchester United fails to renew his contract, they may eventually open the door to offers. The Daily Mirror reported that Serie A defending champions Napoli have offered Menoe a four-year contract and informed Manchester United they want to buy him outright.

Injuries to Cunha and Mason Mount might help Menoe get more playing time in upcoming matches. If both are sidelined for a long period, Bruno Fernandes could move further forward, allowing Menoe more opportunities in midfield. Cunha has already withdrawn from the current Brazil squad due to injury, though the exact duration of his absence remains undisclosed.