Why Kobbie Mainoo Hasn't Been Included in Man Utd's 23

Manchester United have confirmed their squad for the 2026/2027 Premier League season, with several top players, including Kobbie Mainoo, left out.

After clinching a return to the UEFA Champions League under the guidance of former player Michael Carrick, United underwent a midfield overhaul during the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils splashed the cash on three new midfielders, with Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba all making a move to Old Trafford.

With the summer transfer window now closed, United have announced their 23-man squad for the 26/27 Premier League season.

However, several first-team players, including Mainoo, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, have been left out of the official 23-man list.

Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro Left Out of Man United’s 23-Man Premier League squad

As per Premier League rules, players born on or after 1 January 2005 can be classed as Under-21 players, meaning they can still play in the competition without taking a spot on the 23-man list.

As a result, Mainoo, who was born on 19 April 2005, has been included on United’s Under-21 list, along with the likes of Yoro, Heaven and Shea Lacey.

United’s confirmed squad for the 2026/2027 Premier League season has been finalised, with new summer signings making the cut.

Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow, Tom Heaton, Senne Lammens, Dermot Mee

Defenders: Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw.

Midfielders: Carlos Baleba, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Manuel Ugarte.

Forwards: Amad, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Marcus Rashford, Benjamin Sesko, Joshua Zirkzee.

Michael Carrick praises ‘immense’ Kobbie Mainoo after win over Ipswich

Last weekend, United bounced back from their 2-0 opening day defeat against Hull City with a 5-2 win over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford.

Although captain Bruno Fernandes stole the headlines after netting a hat-trick, Carrick was full of praise for Mainoo following the victory.

The Englishman, who has been capped 14 times by his country, started at the heart of United’s midfield alongside Tielemans before being replaced by Santos with 10 minutes left to play.

Speaking to MUTV, Carrick felt Mainoo managed to play with confidence. He said: “I thought he was fantastic today, Kobbie. It was nice for him to be home again and playing here with that confidence.

“It was his first start. Some of the boys have been away and had different levels of football at the World Cup; they’ve played different minutes, so we’ve had to manage that over the last couple of weeks.”

This weekend, United continue their Premier League campaign by going up against Everton on Sunday at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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