Manchester United are crying out for more quality in the middle of the park with Ruben Amorim missing several key stars due to injury.
The head coach only has Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte capable of starting games consistently while both Casemiro and Christian Eriksen do not have the legs to operate in his intense 3-4-3 system.
Kobbie Mainoo’s injury has been a huge blow with Amorim utilising him as a defensive midfielder, as part of a midfield pivot, as an attacking midfielder and even as a false nine.
While his versatility has been a huge boon, the Portuguese tactician needs to figure out his best position in his tactical system.
Mainoo new contract yet to be signed
This uncertainty coupled with the player’s wage demands had seen Chelsea enter the race for his signature during the winter window.
INEOS were also contemplating a sale due to PSR issues with the the money recouped set to count as pure profit owing to his academy status.
Despite sale talks, United remain eager to tie him down to a more lucrative deal, just not on the terms his camp is asking for. Mainoo’s current contract is valid until 2027.
However, Givemesport have claimed that United are set to wait until he returns from injury before proceeding with contract talks. The Englishman is set to be sidelined until the start of April.
The report also claimed that the 20-time English league champions are hoping to agree a new deal before the summer window opens, which should ideally ward off interested suitors like the Blues.
Wait-and-watch approach
“Manchester United have decided to wait until Kobbie Mainoo makes a full recovery from injury and is back in action before opening fresh discussions over a new long-term contract at Old Trafford despite being eager to see him sign on the dotted line before the summer, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
“GMS sources have been informed that Manchester United are keen to keep Mainoo on board and intend to table their proposal before the summer transfer window opens, while there is hope that an agreement can be found despite there being an awareness that he is seeking a major pay rise to reflect his rise in status.
“GMS sources have been told that Amorim wants to find the best way of fitting Mainoo into his preferred system after the start of his Manchester United reign has not gone to plan, with them still sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League and adrift of the European qualification places, but fresh terms will need to comply with the new salary structure.”
There have been murmurs of INEOS remaining open to moving him on come the summer while others have claimed that the Red Devils are eager to keep a hold of their best young talents.
Whether United can agree a new deal with the “special” Carrington graduate remains to be seen especially keeping in mind the new financial reality around Old Trafford.
Feature image Michael Regan 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
