Why Kobbie Mainoo is missing from Man Utd's 2026-27 Premier League squad
Manchester United have submitted their 2026-27 Premier League squad, with Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro omitted from the main list due to U-21 registration rules.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0 / Author: LHC88
Following the closure of the summer transfer window, Manchester United have officially submitted their first-team roster to the Premier League for the 2026-27 campaign. League regulations limit squads to a maximum of 25 senior players, with strict rules governing the number of non-homegrown stars allowed.
One notable omission from the main list is Kobbie Mainoo, who has been a central figure in Michael Carrick's side. Leny Yoro is also absent from the registered 25-man group. Despite the public confusion, the club has clarified that there is no underlying issue regarding their future at the club.
Because both players were born after the start of 2005, they are officially classified as Under-21 players for this season. Under Premier League rules, players within this age bracket do not need to be registered in the standard 25-man squad to be eligible to play. They remain automatically available for selection in all league fixtures throughout the campaign.
The club's U-21 list includes several other promising talents, such as Harry Amass, Tyler Fletcher, and summer arrival Tynan Thompson. Among the youngsters is also Kai Rooney, the son of Wayne Rooney, who has joined the youth ranks this summer.