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Man Utd could part ways with a fan favourite this summer in a shock turn of events
Manchester United have reportedly made the decision to cash-in on talented academy prospect Kobbie Mainoo this summer. Football Insider understands the Red Devils are willing to accept offers of £70m or higher for the 19-year-oldmidfielder who has been on the books for the last 10 years.
The Stockport-born youngster is perceived to be one of the club’s brightest prospects after a terrific campaign last season but is also viewed by INEOS as an asset that could generate serious income for the club at a time when they are struggling to meet the demands of PSR.
Kobbie Mainoo’s rise to prominence at Manchester United
Academy graduate Mainoo made three appearances in Erik ten Hag’s first season in 2022/23 but really burst on to the scene as a first team regular last term when he registered five goals and three assists in 32 appearances across the campaign. The midfielder showcased excellent composure, energy and aggression in the defensive midfield role - and was a catalyst for the team’s success in the FA Cup final by scoring against arch-rivals Manchester City in an epic triumph at Wembley Stadium.
His end of season form earned him a place in the England squad and led to superlatives from a whole host of pundits including United icon Rio Ferdinand, who described the teenager as giving him Clarence Seedorf vibes.
"I'm not saying he is the same player or of the same ability but he gives me vibes of Clarence Seedorf. The way he can manoeuvre in tight situations and the way he manipulates the ball and uses his body at times. Elusive as well. Some people see the headlines and he just caresses it." said Ferdinand on TNT Sport last season.
Mainoo originally joined the England squad as a fringe player but quickly emerged as a regular alongside Declan Rice as Gareth Southgate’s side made it all the way to the final before falling short against Spain.
Man Utd ‘willing to sell’ Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo has two-years remaining on his contract at Old Trafford but is yet to agree a new long-term extension with United chiefs. This has led to speculation that both Mainoo and United have already made plans to part ways by the end of the season, according to ex-United scout Mick Brown who told Football Insider: “He’s a current England international,” he told Football Insider.
“Given the market being what it is, I think United will accept a fee of around £70million. Personally, I don’t think they should even be thinking about selling him, but if he wants to leave and they think that’s the best decision, then that’s up to them.
“The club has been built on the young players who have come through into the first-team. Selling those players for profit has never been a part of their plans in the past. Can you imagine they’d decided to sell Norman Whiteside, David Beckham or Paul Scholes when they were coming through just because they could’ve made some money from them?
“I understand INEOS want to raise money and one way to do that is through selling players, but the academy players should be kept at all costs.If it’s to get them out of financial trouble now, they only have themselves to blame.The way things are going, though, a £70million fee will be seen as a boost for them.They can raise some money which can go back into the club and hopefully there will be some left over to fund a replacement. I don’t know who you’re getting with that money that’s better than Mainoo, though.”
Premier League rivals Chelsea were heavily linked with Mainoo over the summer and TeamTalk understands that the Blues will be one of the first clubs in line to sign the youngstershould he become available over the summer. United could be forced to sell an academy star this summer due to PSR concerns, though it is understood the preference is still to sell Marcus Rashford after his rift with Ruben Amorim and the subsequent decision to loan him out to rivals Aston Villa.
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