The fan-favourite has been tipped for a premature MUFC departure. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Kobbie Mainoo may be made available in the latter stages of the transfer window in order for INEOS to recuperate funds.
To say it’s been an uneventful summer for Manchester United this year is an understatement; welcoming Matheus Cunha early doors before spending six weeks negotiating a deal for Bryan Mbeumo, whilst also not sanctioning any permanent outgoings, has left fans racking their brains over how the side will be able to compete next season.
The fact that there is no European football to account for may be a blessing in disguise for Ruben Amorim, who’s poised to be working with a crop of players he’d have perhaps opted against signing had he been at the reins when the likes of Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund were being pursued.
Costly Casemiro is preventing a new midfield signing
According to Samuel Luckhurst, one area the board are keen to reinforce before 2025/2026 gets underway is the midfield, but they are being hindered by Casemiro still being on the books.
Attempts have been made by four intermediaries to try and offload the veteran, although they were to no avail. As such, his £300,000-a-week deal looks likely to run its course before it expires next summer.
Luckhurst has suggested that United may turn to something of a last resort to raise money by selling Kobbie Mainoo. He adds the 20-year-old could be ‘this year’s Scott McTominay’ due to him being one of the side’s most profitable assets and an academy graduate, meaning his sale would generate straight profit.
To make the situation more uncertain, United have been in contract talks with Mainoo for over 12 months without reaching an agreement. He is tied down to Old Trafford until 2027 plus the option of an additional season, but the prospect of him potentially leaving as a free agent later down the line is unthinkable.
Had Fernandes gone to Saudi then #mufc would’ve had funds and leverage to move for a midfielder quickly. There’s a remote possibility that Mainoo could be this year’s McTominay (sellable asset, homegrown and contract issue) but Amorim needs to make it work with him.
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) July 24, 2025
Where could Mainoo end up?
The England star wouldn’t be short of interest if he were made available, either.
Reports claimed yesterday that Tottenham Hotspur had made an enquiry over Mainoo to gauge the feasibility of him making a move to North London, while Chelsea are also longtime admirers of the young talent.
