Manchester United have not ruled out the sale of Carrington graduate Kobbie Mainoo this summer and Ineos’ asking price will worry fans.
Two games into the Premier League season, Kobbie Mainoo is yet to play a single minute, and as a result, the 20-year-old midfielder looked dejected after the 1-1 draw to Fulham.
Ineos are yet to complete any major sales this summer, with Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Rasmus Hojlund and Jadon Sancho all expected to leave before the summer window slams shut.
But it is well known that Ineos did not rule out selling Mainoo in January, and it seems they have carried a similar stance into summer.
Mainoo is open to leaving United due to a concern over his lack of game time, and his price tag suggests the recruitment team want it to happen sooner rather than later.
Kobbie Mainoo during Manchester United Training Session.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Man United would accept £45 million for Kobbie Mainoo
Sales have been a big issue for United in the past decade, and that trend has continued this summer. Compared to their Premier League rivals, the Red Devils often struggle to raise money in the transfer window.
United value Garnacho at £50m and are staying firm to their asking price, but it seems they are willing to sell Mainoo for even less.
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According to The Athletic, there is a belief that United would accept around £45 million for Mainoo if a bid arrived this summer.
The report adds that United would potentially accept even less for their academy star as deadline day closes in.
Mainoo was valued at £70m in January, so Ineos have clearly slashed their asking price significantly this summer.
Kobbie Mainoo’s camp ‘surprised’ by Ruben Amorim
Throughout pre-season, Amorim urged Mainoo to improve, but it seemed as though the Portuguese head coach had a long-term plan for the young midfielder.
However, no minutes in the opening two games has left Mainoo confused at his role in the squad, and now an exit is on the cards.
The Athletic report from above details that Mainoo’s camp have been left “surprised by a lack of communication from Amorim”.
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Despite former players raving about Amorim’s communication, it seems Mainoo is less than pleased by the lack of explanation from the United boss.
Unfortunately for Mainoo, he finds himself competing with Bruno Fernandes for a spot in midfield. Mainoo will expect to start against Grimsby in the Carabao Cup – if not, expect the exit talks to ramp up.