Kobbie Mainoo faces an uncertain future at Manchester United, with suggestions that he could be frustrated at the gap in pay between him and other stars at Old Trafford
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Updated 14:39, 19 Mar 2025
Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee
Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford
(Image: Darren Staples/AFP via Getty Images.)
Manchester United are facing a dilemma over what to do about Kobbie Mainoo's future. The 19-year-old has been linked with a potential departure from Old Trafford this summer with just two years left to run on his contract.
The midfielder's representatives are understood to be in talks with United officials over a possible renewal, but a recent report from The Guardian suggests that Mainoo could turn down a new offer in favour of a move overseas. It's also been claimed that United might be open to selling the academy graduate to bolster the club's finances if a fee around £70million can be realised, with Chelsea previously said to have expressed an interest.
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Former Red Devils goalkeeper Ben Foster has now warned that the England international could grow frustrated as contract negotiations continue. Mainoo is currently one of the lowest earners at the club, taking home just £20,000 per week.
His wages stand in stark contrast to underperforming stars such as Casemiro and Mason Mount, who are pocketing £350,000 and £250,000 a week respectively. Foster said this could cause resentment for Mainoo, who he described as a potential "world beater", despite some mixed performances this term.
"It must really annoy Kobbie Mainoo, because he must be looking around at some of the players that are on crazy wages that are nowhere near as good as him," the ex-Wrexham shot-stopper said on his Fozcast podcast. "They don't put in any of the performances that he puts in, and they're earning three, four, five or even six times the amount he is.
"I thought that after the Euros, he was going to go on to be a world beater this season. I still think there's a world beater there as well and it's probably mental fatigue or a bit of burnout. I think we will see an absolute player."
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United has been linked with a move away from the Premier League club
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United has been linked with a move away from the Premier League club
Mainoo's camp are reported to be seeking a weekly wage package of around £150,000 from United. However, questions have been raised over whether such a deal is likely given Sir Jim Ratcliffe aim of cutting first team salaries.
Foster made his comments despite querying the strength of Mainoo's bargaining position, with United holding the option of an additional year.
He added: "He's not in any position right now because of circumstances to go making demands. He's still got three years left on his contract with an option. If he was at Chelsea, he'd be on £150,000 per week so that's his argument. But then the club come at it from their perspective and go, 'Well, you’ve still got three years left on your contract.'"
Kobbie Mainoo's shirt
Kobbie Mainoo has been in talks over a new deal(Image: Manchester United FC)
Reports suggest no direct contact has been made with other clubs, but the ambiguity surrounding Mainoo's contract situation is likely to pique the interest of teams across Europe. Spanish publication Don Diario reported last year that Mainoo had caught the attention of La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid.
Before his breakout season last year, the midfielder spent some time out due to injury. During his recovery, Mainoo chose to learn Spanish as a way to occupy his time.
In a chat with The Telegraph last summer, Mainoo disclosed that he started taking Spanish lessons via Zoom while injured during pre-season. He confessed that it was challenging to keep up once he resumed playing, but it's an endeavour he enjoyed and hopes to revisit.
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