Kobbie Mainoo's shirt
Kobbie Mainoo has been in talks over a new deal (Image: Manchester United FC)
Kobbie Mainoo's future at Manchester United is no clearer than it was in January when speculation surrounding his contract stalemate arose.
The midfielder has been in negotiations with United since March 2024, and an agreement is still yet to be reached. The Manchester Evening News understands there is a chance that the academy product could leave in the summer transfer window.
Back in January, Chelsea were linked with the England international, with reports suggesting the Blues would be one of the front-runners to sign Mainoo if the opportunity came about. The 19-year-old has struggled to become a regular under Ruben Amorim this season, with injuries delaying his return.
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A fee of £70million has been touted for the midfielder, a figure that would significantly bolster United's compliance with the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability rules (PSR), with the sale of an academy graduate being 'total profit' on the books.
However, supporters don't want to see Mainoo leave with him representing what Manchester United are all about. Born in Stockport, the teenager has risen through United's youth system and is one of the better representatives from their academy in recent years. Here, MEN Sport writers give their verdict on Mainoo's future at the club...
Josh Holland
I have a theory on what United are doing with Mainoo, and it's something that's happened before. Driving up uncertainty over one of the club's most-prized assets ahead of the window is a tactic that can be used to inject fear among supporters of losing a key player.
But in the summer, if Mainoo and United agree on a new deal, it would feel like a new signing. They've kept their man and have managed to convince him to stay long-term for the project under Amorim.
With the controversy that sits above the heads of United chiefs with underperformance on the pitch compounded by the mess off the pitch, announcing a new contract for a fan favourite would be another 'win' for United, but in the grand scheme of things, it won't be.
Mainoo is an England international and has been a regular at Old Trafford for over 18 months. He should be on a better contract, especially when you consider the salaries handed out to other players.
Despite the PSR boost that comes with selling Mainoo - or Alejandro Garnacho - keeping hold of their best players is vital for Amorim to have any success.
Isaac Seelochan
While Mainoo has not hit the heights he reached last season, his position as a central midfielder alongside Manuel Ugarte has shown promise when both players are fit. The pair were at the heart of everything United did well against Liverpool and Arsenal in January, and that should offer some hope to fans.
Tough decisions will have to be made to improve the Reds' desperate PSR position, but selling a midfielder who will be hard to replace would make little sense. There is also the fact that Christian Eriksen is set to leave and Casemiro won't have a long-term future at Old Trafford, meaning United will need to buy more midfielders in the not-so-distant future.
Mainoo should simply be unsellable for United, with the 19-year-old only likely to get better after a promising season last term.
While Mainoo has struggled for regular game time under Ruben Amorim so far - mainly due to injuries, I think selling him in the summer would be a mistake.
The midfielder is a player who United should build their team around, and given his age, he should be seen as someone who can be a key player for the team for years to come. Therefore, getting him signed up to a new contract should be one of the priorities for United and Amorim this season.
There’s nothing better for fans than seeing an academy player making their name in the team. While a sale would represent pure profit in terms of PSR, it feels like it might distance fans from the team that little bit more, which is not something that a team needs during a rebuild.
Jack Flintham
Mainoo is undoubtedly a special talent and his performances for United since breaking into the first team have been impressive. Let's not forget he saved the Reds last season when they were going through a crisis in central midfield.
However, if I were to play devil's advocate, there could be an argument to be made that Mainoo does not fit perfectly into the system that Ruben Amorim is looking to deploy. Therefore, considering the financial situation at the club, would it be of benefit to sell him for good money and use a proportion of those funds to buy a player who fits the system better?
I can definitely see that argument, but there are no guarantees that Amorim will be allowed the time to implement his principles long-term. They backed Erik ten Hag with another summer transfer window before sacking him at Halloween.
There is no evidence to suggest that Mainoo would not benefit another manager in the future. I personally do not see Ineos sacking Amorim soon, but Mainoo is only 19, and it is unlikely that the Portuguese will be the only head coach United have before he retires.
In my opinion, United should keep hold of Mainoo and look at other ways to strengthen their financial position.
Bruna Reis
Mainoo has been unfortunate with injuries this season, but he has shown his potential and I believe that selling him now would be a mistake. I understand there might be an urge to sell one of their homegrown talents, as that would be considered pure profit.
However, he is still young and his development is far from complete. Letting him go before he’s had the chance to fully showcase his abilities and fulfil his potential could be a huge regret down the line.
The more homegrown talent the club has, the more of an identity United will have and consequently, that will attract more young talent like the likes of Ayden Heaven, who joined from Arsenal. A potential sale could be a decision that overlooks his potential to become a standout player and a long-term asset both on and off the pitch.
Holding onto him and allowing him time to recover and develop could be a significant investment for the team’s long-term success.