Kobbie Mainoo could leave Manchester United this summer
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Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo
Man United youngster Kobbie Mainoo could leave the club this summer.
It says plenty about the financial situation at Old Trafford that Manchester United might feel the need to cash in on Kobbie Mainoo this summer.
The teenager enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season, which culminated with the winner in the FA Cup final and a key role for England as the Three Lions reached the final of the European Championships. He's suffered a stop-start 2024-25, with injuries hampering his progress while a managerial change at United has also had an impact.
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His position in boss Ruben Amorim's system is uncertain and it means the midfielder could move on in the summer. Mainoo has been in contract negotiations with United since March 2024 and an agreement still hasn't been reached, despite talks continuing between both parties over a new deal.
The Manchester Evening News understands there is a genuine chance the 19-year-old could depart given there needs to be a compromise in contract negotiations for Mainoo to stay. It's thought a split might eventually be best for the player and club.
And while that might be dictated by personal choice - either by Mainoo or Amorim - there can be no doubt that the financial picture will play a part. The midfielder could fetch upwards of £50million in the summer window, all of which would be banked as pure profit under the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules given Mainoo is an academy graduate.
That is a huge sum and potential incentive for United, who are hoping to move on at least 10 players this summer as they rebuild the squad. The Reds have had to tighten belts given how close they are to breaching the PSR guidelines.
Indeed United owe clubs almost £391million in unpaid transfer fees, according to the club's latest financial figures to the end of December. Around £200million of that is due in the next 12 months.
United are also owed £90.8million in transfer fees from other clubs, with around half of that due to be paid in the next year.
United's transfer debt has rocketed in recent years, and its latest figure is the highest it has ever been. United also owe a potential £136.4million in performance-related add-ons negotiated as part of their recent transfer activity. It is unlikely that the figure will be hit in its entirety, and each deal will have separate add-on clauses.
That presents a problem for United and Amorim. And Mainoo could be a fall guy.
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