Carrington graduate Kobbie Mainoo appears to be considering leaving Manchester United as talks over a new contract continue to stall.
Manchester United have only picked up one point in two Premier League matches, and yet still Kobbie Mainoo hasn’t played a single minute.
Ruben Amorim has started Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in midfield, with Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount spending time in central midfield ahead of Mainoo.
It led to Gary Neville calling Mainoo a ‘fourth choice’ option in Amorim’s squad. With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise that Mainoo is open to leaving United.
Mainoo has attracted interest from Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Premier League clubs, and United are now at risk of losing one of their most prized academy graduates.
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How much Kobbie Mainoo earns at Man United
Ineos have done well to clear out many of United’s highest-paid players in recent years, meaning the club has regained control of the wage bill.
However, it seems baffling that United are eager to offload Mainoo given that he is one of the lowest earners in the squad.
According to The Athletic, Mainoo is earning £20,000 per week at United, which explains why he is eager to be offered a new deal.
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United have been locked in contract talks with Mainoo for several months now. His current contract runs until 2027, meaning United are not under huge pressure to sell him soon.
Mainoo wants to earn £200,000 per week in a new contract, which is above what United staff have valued him at.
However, the report from above states that Ineos are “reluctant” to meet Mainoo’s demands, believing he needs another year or two of development first.
Kobbie Mainoo deserves new contract at Man United
All the talk around Mainoo and his future is certainly unsettling for fans given he is a favourite among the Old Trafford faithful.
It is never nice to see an academy graduate leave, especially one as talented as Mainoo. A new contract would put an end to all the speculation and transfer talk.
Given that Casemiro is earning £350,000 per week at United, it’s hard to argue that Mainoo doesn’t deserve a significant wage hike given he is competing with the Brazilian for midfield positions.
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Ineos have already handed out new contracts to Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes, and both players were given pay rises to commit their future to Ruben Amorim’s project.
There is no reason why Mainoo should not get the same treatment, and talk of him leaving won’t end until he signs on the dotted line.