According to reports, Kobbie Mainoo is ‘unhappy’ with Manchester United’s ‘initial’ contract offer amid interest from Premier League giants Chelsea.
The United academy product enjoyed a remarkable breakout season in 2023/24 as he shone for his boyhood club and England.
Mainoo has endured a slow start to this season as it’s appeared he’s suffered from burn-out, but he produced a brilliant performance against Liverpool in the 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday.
Despite this, it’s emerged that Man Utd have opened the door to letting Mainoo leave as this pure profit sale could potentially significantly boost Ruben Amorim’s budget.
On Tuesday night, a report revealed the ‘truth’ about Mainoo’s future with two reasons for opening the transfer door amid interest from Chelsea, who are ‘leading’ the race to sign him.
It’s understood that United’s preference would be to keep Mainoo, but they could be forced into a sale if the conditions are right. The 19-year-old is under contract until 2027 and talks over a new deal have taken place.
READ: Cristiano Ronaldo: Man Utd bottom of next move likelihood ranking including Chelsea, PSG
A report from Manchester United News claims Mainoo is ‘unhappy with the initial terms United have offered for a new contract amid sudden uncertainty over his future’.
It is also noted that they ‘do not want to drive him out of the club’, while a report from The Guardian explains why Man Utd have changed their stance on selling Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.
The report claims the three players were previously ‘deemed untouchable’, but this is no longer the case with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘recognising’ that they have been ‘poor sellers’.
MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
👉 Marcus Rashford: Man Utd’s two transfer conditions surface as ‘agent flies’ to meet Euro giants
👉 Cristiano Ronaldo ‘keen’ to reunite with Man Utd man with Al Nassr ‘hopeful’ of signing £60m star
👉 Six Man Utd certainties under Amorim after Liverpool include three exits, key quartet, £45m transfer
The Guardian’s report explained:
‘With finance limited because of profitability and sustainability rules, sales have to become a key part of healthy squad management.
‘This means a credible bid for Mainoo, Garnacho or Højlund will be countenanced, along with offers for any other player, including last summer’s recruits, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee.
‘Under Erik ten Hag, Amorim’s predecessor, Mainoo, Garnacho, Højlund were considered non-sellable. All are still viewed as key squad members so although an offer would be listened to a sale would not necessarily be approved.
‘United’s lack of funds means Mainoo and Garnacho, as homegrown players, would represent 100% profit under PSR. The squad is in transition as Amorim, who took over in October, seeks to fully implement his 3-4-3 system and make signings suited to this.
‘Mainoo has been discussed at Chelsea, who have not ruled out moving for him, but their interest is yet to advance. The London club’s focus is on defensive additions, with the and they hope they can buy back Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace.’
