Manchester United were keen to tie Kobbie Mainoo down to a new contract this season.
However, that is proving to be a more difficult task than expected with the 19-year-old holding out for some very lucrative terms.
Manchester United are ready to reward Kobbie Mainoo for his incredible breakthrough to the first team with a big pay rise.
Mainoo is the lowest earner in the squad on a wage of £20,000 per week and United are prepared to offer him vastly improved terms, but the player’s camp are struggling to come to a full agreement.
Despite reports of Mainoo wanting £200,000 per week, United in Focus understands that both the player’s representatives and the club have downplayed those claims. Instead, a deal worth close to £150,000-a-week is being discussed.
There is talk of Mainoo wanting to move abroad and leave United as his contract talks stall, but it seems that Ineos still have plenty of say in his future.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Man United have option to extend Kobbie Mainoo contract
With United looking to wrestle with the Profit and Sustainability Rules over January, there were some concerning reports that Ineos were prepared to sell Mainoo if an appropriate offer arrived.
Mainoo was linked to Chelsea as soon as his contract talks stalled, but there is no reason why he should be leaving anytime soon.
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Mainoo’s contract is valid until 2027, but The Sun report that United have an option to extend his deal to 2028.
It means that Ineos are under no pressure to lower their asking price or be rushed to sell Kobbie Mainoo as his contract ticks down. There is still plenty of time to come to an agreement for a new contract.
The same report suggests Ineos value Mainoo at £70million, and with another three years on his deal that price tag is protected for the next few windows.
Kobbie Mainoo must focus on Man United career
Mainoo has made huge strides with United’s first team since breaking through from the academy under Erik ten Hag.
But talk of a new contract and a huge pay rise threaten to distract him from his promising trajectory, especially at a time when Amorim needs him to step up and become a key player in this struggling United side.
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Mainoo is currently injured, but he will have a big responsibility to help a depleted United midfield when he returns to fitness.
All focus at Old Trafford has to be on the club’s long-term vision, with Amorim wanting to win a Premier League and Ineos aiming to win a title in 2028.
It seems Mainoo will be sticking around in Manchester until at least 2028, so Amorim needs him to put contract talks out of his mind and focus on returning to his best.