INEOS friction: Man Utd REJECTED Mainoo, Hojlund loan offers from Nice

Tom Weber

• Updated: 16 Sept 2025 17:37 BST
• 5 min read

News

Manchester United rejected loan offers for Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund from sister club Nice this summer, according to French media.

The Ligue 1 side are coming off a transfer window that was described as 'unpleasant' by sporting director Florian Maurice. Nice feel that they were unable to adequately strengthen their side, and part of the blame has been put at the feet of INEOS.

The French outfit are currently in the dark as to their standing in INEOS' multi-club network, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe's company having primarily focused on the billionaire's boyhood club Man Utd since his acquisition of a minority stake.

Last term, INEOS had to sever their ties with Nice due to both clubs competing in the Europa League, but they have been free to run the Ligue 1 side again since the summer. However, there has been complete radio silence so far, much to the annoyance of officials at Nice.

Over the summer, reports emerged that Nice had tried to do business with Man Utd but ultimately had to reject an 'inadequate' player whom the Red Devils offered up to placate their French counterparts.

Nice tried for Mainoo and Hojlund

Maurice recently confirmed that he tried to discuss transfers with Man Utd during the window, only to be stonewalled, illustrating the stark contrast between INEOS and BlueCo.

“I spoke with Manchester United during the transfer window in order to try and find solutions," Maurice revealed. "We envisaged things like asking them to sign a player and then loaning him back to us, but their priority was to sell.”

Now, Ici Azur has made the shocking revelation that Nice tried to take Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund on loan this summer, which prompted Man Utd to offer the other unnamed player instead.

Mainoo, of course, requested to leave Old Trafford on loan in search of regular game time, but he was obliged to stay at Man Utd. Hojlund, meanwhile, was forced out and joined Napoli.

It is evident why Man Utd rejected the chance to send Hojlund to Nice, given that they would not have been able to offer the €50 million package Napoli agreed to pay.

A move for Mainoo, on the other hand, could have been mutually beneficial. Nice would have received an elite player, Mainoo would have been an undisputed starter at a good level, and INEOS would have kept full control of the youngster.

In light of this, it is unsurprising that Nice have grown tired of being affiliated with Man Utd and that INEOS are exploring a sale of the French club.

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