Man Utd could lose proud 88-year-old club record if they sell Kobbie Mainoo

Manchester United are considering the sale of Kobbie Mainoo before the summer transfer window closes in a deal which risks undoing their proud history of producing homegrown players

Manchester United have just suffered one of their most embarrassing defeats – and now their proud history could be diluted.

United were beaten by Grimsby on penalties in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night. They went 2-0 down inside 30 minutes against the League Two side and needed late goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire to take the tie to penalties.

Matheus Cunha missed the chance to win it for United before Mbeumo hit the crossbar in sudden death as Grimsby prevailed 12-11 on spot-kicks. It was a miserable night for United, who are running out of time to improve their squad in the summer transfer window.

Wednesday saw a first start of the season for Kobbie Mainoo, who had been an unused substitute for the opening two Premier League matches. Mainoo has been frustrated with his situation at his boyhood club and has made it clear that he is open to leaving before the deadline on Monday.

READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd ‘outbid’ for keeper, Arsenal get Hincapie reply, Isak to LiverpoolREAD MORE: Benjamin Sesko branded new Rasmus Hojlund as ‘red flag’ moment vs Grimsby sums him up

Ruben Amorim considers Mainoo to be competing with captain Bruno Fernandes for a place in United’s midfield. The club have fielded interest from 10 different clubs for Mainoo and could be tempted to cash in on the 20-year-old.

While selling a homegrown player would help their situation in terms of the profit and sustainability rules, it would also risk endangering a proud club record. United have included at least one academy player in their matchday squad in every game since October 1937 – a staggering run of 4,324 matches.

But the sale of Mainoo would see the departure of their most high-profile academy graduate. Tyler Fredricson also started against Grimsby, but was hauled off at half-time and is far from guaranteed a spot in the squad.

Fredricson and Mainoo were the only academy graduates in the squad at Grimsby and the exits of Marcus Rashford, Toby Collyer, Dan Gore and Ethan Wheatley on loan this summer has further weakened their connection with the academy. No other academy graduate has made the first-team squad so far this season.

Amorim did take a look at a group of youngsters during pre-season, including 14-year-old JJ Gabriel, but has been reluctant to promote them further yet. The Portuguese boss is well aware of United’s history of producing top young players, but is fighting for his job less than a year into his stint as manager.

United have been dumped out of the Carabao Cup in the second round and are yet to win in the Premier League, having lost 1-0 to Arsenal and drawn 1-1 with Fulham. They finished 15th in the Premier League last season and have no European football to look forward to this campaign after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham.

Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.