Manchester United are contemplating midfield reinforcements this window, but they could be about to lose one of their talismans if a recent report is to be believed.
Casemiro has not looked as assured in the middle of the park and there are concerns regarding his suitability in the Premier League due to his age.
Manuel Ugarte was impressive against West Ham but made a basic error which led to Bournemouth’s solitary goal on Thursday.
Kobbie Mainoo has been challenged by Ruben Amorim to prove he can be a starter for the Red Devils alongside skipper Bruno Fernandes, but his contract situation has meant plenty of teams are keeping a close watch.
Mainoo contract issues
The Carrington graduate has a contract until 2027 but INEOS are desperately trying to get him to sign an extension, but so far, their contract offers have not been accepted.
There were rumours that the 20-year-old was holding out for wages worth £180,000 per week, something the Red Devils had no intention of offering.
Add to this the fact that Amorim felt he was not fit for his system, and that inevitably led to rumours of his departure.
Chelsea were linked with a move, as were Tottenham Hotspur but United have no intention of letting their academy wonderkid go so soon.
But that might change if Defensa Central are to be believed. They have claimed that Xabi Alonso wants Real Madrid to sign a deep-lying playmaker and the England international is seen as a perfect fit.
“One of the objectives that Xabi Alonso has reportedly set for Real Madrid’s bosses during the second half of the 2025 summer transfer window is the signing of a creative midfielder, preferably a defensive midfielder.
“Affected by Toni Kroos’ retirement in 2024 and Luka Modric’s free departure, the boss must search the squad for a new helmsman for the team on the pitch.
Real Madrid eyeing Mainoo
“The tests carried out during the Club World Cup leave no doubt: in the absence of a Galactico signing who could surpass him, Arda Güler is the chosen one to take on the task . But for now, he can’t do it alone, hence his coach’s request.
“Aware that their requested signing for midfield won’t happen anytime soon, the Whites’ coaches have decided to shift their focus and offer more future-oriented alternatives.
“The prospects of players like Adam Wharton and Kobbie Mainoo, defensive midfielders who fit the requested profile, open the door to a planned, measured signing, as the executives led by Florentino Pérez would like.”
This indicates that Real Madrid are aware that United will not be selling this summer. They are hoping that Kobbie Mainoo does not agree an extension any time soon and they can exact revenge for losing the race for Leny Yoro.
They can use the same ploy that got them Kylian Mbappe and Trent Alexander-Arnold with him as well, and possibly get him on a free. Hopefully, INEOS take the appropriate measures before then.
Feature image Carl Recine 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
