Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is the topic of scrutiny after being left out of the first two games of the season.
Kobbie Mainoo is open to listening to offers over his future after being snubbed in the opening two matches of 2025/26.
There were clues in pre-season that Kobbie Mainoo would not be first choice in midfield, yet it is alarming he has not played a single minute so far.
Realistically there is only a slim chance Mainoo leaves before the transfer deadline, but Manchester United fans cannot feel completely safe.
Kobbie Mainoo celebrates winning the FA Cup with Alejandro Garnacho
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
What Sir Jim Ratcliffe said about Kobbie Mainoo
Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe was asked about Kobbie Mainoo earlier in 2025 as part of a joint question about Alejandro Garnacho.
The question came amid reports both players could be sold to alleviate the club’s financial problems.
Ratcliffe assured that there were no financial constraints that would force an exit for either player, quoted by The Standard.
“No no. We won’t be selling players because of the state we are in financially. The club had got bloated so we reduced that and will finish it with a lean and efficient organisation.
More United News
“That’s how we will address the costs. The player decisions will all be focused on how we are going to improve performance. That’s all.”
Ratcliffe’s comments do not offer any assurances that Mainoo will stay under any circumstances.
Garnacho is already heading towards the exit after falling out with Ruben Amorim, amid questions over whether he fits into his XI.
Mainoo has had no fallout with Amorim, but the head coach has quite clearly stated that the midfielder has not done enough to earn a starting spot in his side.
Ratcliffe’s comments are concerning as they clearly offer no guarantee, stating that player decisions will be based on how to ‘improve performance’.
And if Ruben Amorim identifies a solution that means Mainoo must depart, Ratcliffe would not stand in his way.
Kobbie Mainoo contract is lingering concern
Kobbie Mainoo is likely to come back into the side and get his chance when Manchester United face Grimsby in the Carabao Cup.
Hopefully he can get back on track and earn a further chance when United face Burnley in the Premier League this coming weekend.
But there is a lingering concern in the background, stalled negotiations over Mainoo’s contract.
United had hoped to tie up a long-term contract extension in 2024, but there has been no progress.
Mainoo’s current deal expires in 2027, with an option to 2028. There is no immediate danger of losing him, but with Amad recently penning an extension to 2030, with an option, it would be better to get the young midfield wonderkid locked down too.