Reason Kobbie Mainoo isn't in Man Utd's confirmed 21-man Premier League squad

Kobbie Mainoo, despite being left out of Manchester United's 21-man Premier League squad, remains eligible to play under Ruben Amorim. Mainoo has had a turbulent time since Amorim took over at Old Trafford in November, struggling to secure regular game time.

The arrival of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo has seen Bruno Fernandes drop deeper into midfield, putting Mainoo in direct competition with the Portuguese captain. The Englishman's only start this season was in the Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby Town, after which he sought a loan move away from the club.

Despite his request being denied by Amorim, Mainoo stayed put during the summer transfer window. However, it's clear that the midfielder is eager for more playing time, though it remains uncertain whether United can provide this.

Mainoo, a fan favourite, caused concern among supporters when he was omitted from Amorim's squad list for the rest of the season. Yet, due to his age, he doesn't need to be registered alongside most of his first-team peers.

The Premier League permits its clubs to nominate an unlimited number of U21 players they wish to see participate in the division this season, in addition to the mandatory 25-man squad list. A U21 player is defined as anyone born on or after January 1, 2004, for this season.

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Consequently, Mainoo (born April 19, 2005), Leny Yoro (born November 13, 2005) and Ayden Heaven (born September 22, 2006), were all eligible to be included in the U21 list rather than occupying a slot in the primary 21-man squad list. Regarding that squad list, United must ensure that no more than 17 players do not meet the 'Home Grown Player' criteria.

To qualify as homegrown, a player, irrespective of their nationality, must have been registered with any club affiliated to The Football Association or the Football Association of Wales for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons, or 36 months, prior to his 21st birthday. United's complete squad and U21 list can be found below.

Squad list in full

Goalkeepers - Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton*, Senne Lammens, Dermot Mee*.

Defenders - Rhys Bennett*, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire*, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw*.

Midfielders - Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount*, Manuel Ugarte.

Attackers - Amad*, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Joshua Zirkzee.

U21 list

Goalkeepers - Cameron Byrne-Hughes, Elyh Harrison**, Fred Heath, Will Murdock, Zachary Watson.

Defenders - Sonny Aljofree**, Harry Amass**, Dan Armer, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven, Yuel Helafu, Louis Jackson**, Jaydan Kamason, Godwill Kukonki, Diego Leon, Rafe McCormack, Jay McEvoy, Albert Mills, Reece Munro, Jayden Ngwashi, Habeeb Ogunneye**, James Overy, Dante Plunkett, Jacob Watson, Leny Yoro.

Midfielders - James Bailey, Toby Collyer**, Jacob Devaney, Jayce Fitzgerald, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, Dan Gore**, Amir Ibragimov, Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher, Sekou Kone, Kobbie Mainoo, Sam Mather, Finley McAllister, Jack Moorhouse**, Jariyah Shah, Jim Thwaites.

Attackers - Noah Ajayi, Neithan Barbosa, Gabriele Biancheri, Louie Bradbury, Nathaniel-Junior Brown, Ethan Ennis**, Enzo Kana-Biyik**, Shea Lacey, Samuel Lusale, Bendito Mantato, Ashton Missin, Victor Musa, Chido Obi, James Scanlon, Malachi Sharpe, Ethan Wheatley**, Ethan Williams**.

* = homegrown player.

** = currently on loan.