Kobbie Mainoo in action for United.
Man Utd midfielder Kobbie Mainoo could depart the club this summer.
Manchester United may be forced into a particularly uncomfortable transfer this summer as their financial woes continue to come back and haunt them.
With United still mindful of repercussions should they break the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), The Manchester Evening News reported on Thursday that they could be forced to sell Kobbie Mainoo. The midfielder is currently on a wage which is not befitting of his standing in the United squad.
The Reds are currently negotiating a new deal, but it is understood that either United or Mainoo will need to be willing to step down from their demands in order to get a contract signed. If that cannot be done, the club could be forced to sell Mainoo and bag themselves some leeway on PSR by securing a "pure profit" sale.
Should he depart, he would leave his replacement an unusual welcome gift - his No.37 shirt. Like his salary, Mainoo has not yet managed to bag himself an upgrade to his shirt number yet despite arguably being more deserving of a lower number than some players in the squad.
The No.37 does not have a particularly long - or prestigious - history at United. It previously belonged to James Garner, who left to join Everton permanently, and was worn by other youngsters including; Donald Love, Danny Webber and John O'Shea.
However, considering Mainoo's impact on the Reds, there could well be a clamour to grab that jersey if and when the Stockport-born midfielder releases it. United are planning for at least 10 departures this summer - which would allow some important numbers to become available.
Crucially, Rashford's No.10 shirt could become available should Aston Villa or someone else agree to spend £40m on him in the summer. Victor Lindelof (2) and Christian Eriksen (14) are expected to be released while Jonny Evans (35) and Tom Heaton (22) look set to retire.
Antony will leave behind the No.21 if he's sold, and if Casemiro departs the No.18 will become available, too. Altay Bayindir's future is uncertain, while if he departed the No.1 would be available as would the No.12 if Tyrell Malacia's move to PSV Eindhoven becomes permanent.
Other available numbers for new recruits include; 19, 27-34 and 38-40.
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