The tremors of Kobbie Mainoo’s exclusion from the first two league games for Manchester United have realised themselves in the worst possible way.
Since United in Focus first reported that Kobbie Mainoo was ready to leave the club, the situation has picked up and snowballed into something concrete.
Mainoo will not have a shortage of suitors in England or beyond, and United in Focus can exclusively reveal via sources that there’s a ‘good chance’ he leaves the club before the window.
Not only will that erode goodwill with Man Utd fans for Ruben Amorim, transfer insider Graeme Bailey reports major dressing room impact.
Kobbie Mainoo warms up wearing green Adidas bib.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Kobbie Mainoo transfer latest
Mainoo reportedly looking to leave initially looked like a bargaining ploy because the club have been locked in negotiations for a new contract with the player.
That, combined with a lack of playing time this season, has contributed to his stance converting into something concrete.
Transfer insider Graeme Bailey, who first reported that Mainoo was ready to leave United, has now reported that the chance is becoming more likely.
He said: “Since we broke the news on Monday – we can confirm that a host of clubs have made contact about Mainoo’s availability.
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“Interest is increasing since we revealed Mainoo’s situation – internally I am told that the club are accepting that he is going to leave.
“I am told Mainoo is open to moves abroad, but his representatives and intermediaries are working on domestic interest too.
“United sources indicate a deal is now possible. This is a major deal for United to sanction.”
Impact on Man Utd’s dressing room of potential Mainoo departure
Beyond the player’s quality, Mainoo’s prospective departure hits harder because of what he represents and stands for at Man Utd.
He is the quintessential Man Utd success story, embodying the ethos of “Youth. Courage. Success.”
Bailey says that Mainoo’s popularity with the fans extends to his presence in the dressing room as well, with the club dressing room set to have a massive impact on it.
He said: “Whilst popular with fans, I am told Mainoo is also a popular character in the squad and his leaving would have an impact too, especially with the younger players.
“Under Erik Ten Hag, Mainoo and Amad were poster boys for making that progress to the first-team, and whilst Amad has gone on to become a key figure under Ruben Amorim, it just hasn’t worked out for Mainoo under Amorim.”
Mainoo’s departure goes against everything Man Utd stand for, and would betray the promise Omar Berrada made to the fans back in March.
Combined with the impact on the dressing room and the paltry sum United are willing to take to give him away for, and the move reeks of short-termism disaster.
This is a sliding doors moment for the Ineos ownership at United.