Manchester United have re-engaged in negotiations with young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, aiming to secure his long-term future at Old Trafford after protracted discussions.
The 19-year-old, a homegrown talent from Stockport, has become a crucial part of United’s squad but remains one of the lowest-paid first-team players.
According to The Daily Mail, Mainoo’s representatives are pushing for a wage increase to £180,000 per week plus bonuses, which would bring his salary in line with that of other senior players.
United’s financial situation has added complexity to the talks.
The club faces pressure to sell players to comply with financial fair play (FFP) regulations, making academy graduates like Mainoo particularly valuable, as any transfer fee would be recorded as pure profit.
Chelsea are reportedly monitoring the situation and could make a move if United fail to secure a deal.
Manager Ruben Amorim has publicly expressed his desire to retain both Mainoo and fellow academy star Alejandro Garnacho, but he admitted financial constraints could make that difficult.
The club has already reduced its wage bill by sending Marcus Rashford and Antony out on loan, yet further player sales may be necessary to facilitate summer signings.
Mainoo is one of United’s most technically proficient midfielders, capable of recycling the ball with ease.
His unique ability to play in multiple positions in midfield makes him a key player in Amorim’s future plans.
He has been sidelined for a month with a calf injury and still has more than two years left on his current contract.
The club successfully fended off interest in both Mainoo and Garnacho during the January window, but with rival teams circling and United’s financial position under scrutiny, securing the midfielder’s long-term commitment remains a priority.
Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Raj Dholakia
Raj is a seasoned digital writer and editor with a deep-seated passion for football. With over four years in the digital space, he has contributed to Sportlens, ManUtdNews, and is now proudly writing for The Peoples Person. His work is driven by a commitment to capture the essence of football, delivering content that speaks to the heart of fans worldwide.
