Kobbie Mainoo is a player who appeared to be the future of Manchester United, but his future could now be in doubt over the next couple of years.
The 2023/24 campaign was a phenomenal one for the 20-year-old, scoring crucial goals against Wolves, Liverpool and even the FA Cup final triumph over rivals Manchester City.
However, the same can’t be said for last season, only making 19 starts in the Premier League and failing to register a single goal or assist - highlighting his decline under Ruben Amorim.
Mainoo
As a result, he’s been linked with various moves away from Old Trafford this summer, potentially being offloaded to raise funds for any additions the manager desires.
Should he stay, it could get even worse at the Theatre of Dreams for the Englishman, potentially falling further down the pecking order given the interest elsewhere.
The latest on Man Utd’s hunt for a new midfielder
Douglas Luiz is a player who’s been firmly on their radar this summer, potentially available for a bargain price after only starting three Serie A matches last campaign.
He’s been subject to talks already this window, with the Italian outfit opening to allowing him to join the Red Devils in any deal which could see Jadon Sancho move to Turin.
douglas-luiz-juventus-champions-league
However, he’s not the only midfielder in Italy’s top flight currently in their sights, with Atalanta star Ederson another player under consideration, according to one Spanish outlet.
The report claims that higher-ups at Old Trafford have already held talks with the 26-year-old’s representatives over a potential deal, but it could set them back around £50m this summer.
It also states that Amorim’s side see him as one of the best options on the market for the midfield department, but it’s unclear if the player himself would be open to any move to England.
Why United’s £50m target could prove to be bad news for Mainoo
The midfield department at United already has a fair amount of quality, with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro all already on the club’s books.
Bruno-Fernandes-Man-Utd
Given the other options, Mainoo has found minutes harder to come by, even having to feature in a false nine position at times last campaign, with the central midfield department one that’s already stacked.
Christian Eriksen was released at the end of his contract at the end of June, which raised funds and opened a gap for added minutes within the first team setup.
However, Mainoo may not be able to take advantage of the situation, especially given the recent rumours over a move to land Brazilian talent Ederson.
When comparing the pair’s respective figures from the most recent season, the Atalanta star has massively outperformed him in numerous key areas - potentially ending Mainoo’s time with the Red Devils should he join.
ederson-atalanta
Ederson, who’s been labelled “one of the best midfielders in Seria A” by journalist Matteo Bonetti and registered more combined goals and assists, along with more shot-creating actions per 90 - highlighting the goalscoring threat he carries in front of goal.
He’s also thrived with the ball at his feet, completing more of the passes he’s attempted, with more passes into the final third per 90 - having the tools to provide those in front of him with added chances.
How Ederson compares to Mainoo in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Progressive passes
Passes into final third
Shot-creating actions
% of tackles won
Interceptions made
Carries into final third
Aerials won
Stats via FBref
The Brazilian’s dominance over the United youngster is further reflected out-of-possession, winning more of the tackles he’s entered, whilst also making more interceptions per 90, hence why Italian content creator Damiano Coccia has even claimed that Ederson is "the strongest defensive midfielder in the world."
£50m for a player of Ederson’s quality could prove to be an excellent pickup, handing the side the elite-level talent at the heart of the squad they have been crying out for.
Mainoo is a player who was once seen as the future of the football club, but his playing time could well be further limited should the Atalanta star move to Old Trafford this summer.
Manchester-United-Jude-Bellingham Related
Wilcox preparing bid to sign Man Utd's answer to Jude Bellingham this week
Manchester United appear to be making a huge move to land a superb young talent this summer.