Despite securing progress to the FA Cup fourth round at Arsenal’s expense, Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim still needs reinforcements to help the club back up the Premier League table.
There is a gaping hole up front with both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling to find the back of the net while Diogo Dalot’s weakness at the back was exposed at the Emirates and it is clear that a left wingback is needed urgently.
However, years of poor transfer decisions by the Glazers, combined with the summer splurge and the compensation paid to Erik ten Hag and Sporting Lisbon have meant the club is grappling with PSR concerns.
While INEOS would prefer moving on high-profile players such as Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof, so far no concrete bid has arrived and they are unlikely to fetch too much money.
PSR concerns mounting
That is why the new co-owners are mulling over selling academy graduates in order to earn pure profit. Marcus Rashford’s sale could fix things buw owing to his humongous wages, a permanent exit is unlikely in January.
Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, both considered untouchable a few months ago, are no longer in that category with the midfielder and United at a stalemate regarding his contract extension.
That is why the Red Devils are reportedly open to moving the England international on with Chelsea, Bayern Munich among potential suitors.
According to Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the Blues are ready to pay ‘close to £70 million’ for the midfielder. Mainoo’s current deal is valid until 2027 but his wage demands have meant no new agreement has been reached thus far.
Chelsea willing to pay big to land Mainoo
“Faced with serious financial fair play issues, the Red Devils have been reduced to accepting the unacceptable… a significant offer from a club, whether English or foreign, for any element of Ruben Amorim’s squad will have to be considered.
“Kobbie Mainoo is one of them. While discussions had already started with the Mancunian management with a view to extending his contract at the beginning of the summer of 2024, the current dynamic could therefore completely change the future of the English prodigy at Old Trafford.
“Already informed of this situation, Chelsea Football Club took the opportunity to come and sound out Mainoo’s entourage and representatives. The Blues would even be ready to consider sending an offer close to seventy million pounds to convince Omar Berrada and the United board.”
It would be heartbreaking to see United move on academy wonderkids but anything is possible at this stage after years of inept Glazers rule. Whether INEOS opt to directly strengthen a domestic rival in the process remains to be seen.
Feature image Glyn Kirk via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
