Fierce PL rivals were close to signing Kobbie Mainoo until Carrick spared INEOS’ blushes – report

What a week it has been for Manchester United’s midfield wonderkid, Kobbie Mainoo. First, the Carrington graduate signed a contract extension that will keep him at his boyhood club until 2031. Just days later, he popped up to score the winner against fierce rivals, Liverpool, to secure United’s qualification for the Champions League after a two-year absence. What makes his journey even more remarkable is that the midfield ace came dangerously close to leaving under former head coach Ruben Amorim. Kobbie Mainoo did not have the trust of Amorim The Portuguese tactician felt the 21-year-old did not fit his rigid system, and played Bruno Fernandes in a deeper role ahead of the Englishman. The pair’s working relationship got so fragile that the England international asked INEOS to let him leave, with multiple clubs all across Europe chasing his signature. Napoli were eyeing a loan move, and according to The Daily Mail, fierce Premier League rivals, Arsenal, were leading the queue domestically. “As inconceivable as Mainoo leaving United would seem now, the disillusioned youngster came very close to going during his exile under Ruben Amorim and there would have been no shortage of takers. Arsenal came close to signing Kobbie Mainoo “Besides Napoli, who were Mainoo’s preferred destination for a loan move, Confidential understands Arsenal were at the front of the queue of Premier League clubs waiting to see how the situation played out. “Mainoo stayed and the Gunners will be one of the clubs competing with United in the midfield market this summer.” It would have been a huge mistake to let the talented Stockport-born ace depart irrespective of Diogo Dalot’s bizarre comments, and thankfully, Michael Carrick‘s arrival has changed his fortunes. Now among the first names on the teamsheet, fans will be buzzing to see Kobbie Mainoo strut his stuff, having overcome those dark days under Amorim. Feature image George Wood via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25