Manchester United are seriously considering the sale of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in the summer transfer window amid a disastrous financial backdrop
Comments
Sport
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United supporters will have been stunned to read on Thursday morning that their club is seriously considering selling Kobbie Mainoo in the summer transfer window.
Mainoo has been one of United's brightest sparks in recent times after bursting onto the scene last season to save Erik ten Hag's midfield blushes. His form for the first team propelled him into the international picture and he was subsequently included in Gareth Southgate's squad for the European Championship.
Article continues below
While his standing only continues to grow more and more, Mainoo has begun to outgrow his wage at Old Trafford. His current deal was agreed before he became a first-team regular and while there was incentives included, the midfielder has quickly managed to surpass them.
United are currently locked in contract negotiations with the midfielder but the Manchester Evening News understands the Reds are considering selling the Stockport-born midfielder in a move that would be considered 'best for both parties'. But why is that the case? The Manchester Evening News has taken a closer look.
Premier League's PSR
Unsurprisingly. the answer is that the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) dictate United's hand. Under the current regulations, selling players who have come through your academy is seen as more lucrative as they did not cost anything to begin with.
That means any money which United receive for Mainoo in the summer would be seen as 'pure profit' and would help boost the club's finances significantly more than selling a player like Casemiro.
Why do United need to sell?
The financial situation at United has been set out plainly by Sir Jim Ratcliffe earlier this month. When asked about the widespread redundancies, the Ineos founder explained that United would have run out of money by the end of 2025 if he had not taken that course of action.
This is despite, in Ratcliffe's words, him putting in £232.72m. As such, United will undoubtedly need to sell players to keep themselves afloat and invest in their squad which has struggled this campaign.
MEN Sport reported this week that United are looking to complete at least ten departures this summer. Mainoo was not listed as a possible exit at that time but his contract status coupled with the need to sell makes him a candidate to be moved on.
---
Here at the Manchester Evening News, we’re dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.
And finally, if you’d rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.