INEOS are mulling over making wholesale changes in the summer after what has been a disastrous season for Manchester United under two different managers.
It is imperative that the co-owners try and give current head coach Ruben Amorim the tools needed to resurrect the club’s fortunes and for that to happen, player sales will be needed owing to financial constraints.
Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, both considered untouchable not too long ago, have now been put on sale due to their homegrown status which equates to pure profit as per Profit and Sustainability rules.
The midfielder, who is currently injured, has one goal and one assist this season and has struggled since the new coach’s arrival, who has played him all over the park.
Mainoo’s fitness issue
In fact, the Englishman has played as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder, attacking midfielder and even a false nine but has not convinced in Amorim’s system in either of the roles.
As per i News, the former Sporting CP boss feels the England international does not have the required fitness levels to operate in his high-intensity system.
“Cashing in on either Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho remains a serious option this summer. Mainoo is understood to be entertaining the idea of seeking a move away from the club, with the youngster yet to put pen to paper on a new contract.
“Amorim is not completely convinced Mainoo has the fitness levels to be a success in his system. The club would therefore reluctantly sell for offers of around £70m, sources said.”
On top of that, the 19-year-old and United have been at loggerheads over a new contract with the Englishman’s wage demands currently thought to be too excessive.
Wage demands a problem
The Peoples Person has relayed reports that should both parties fail to find an agreement, Mainoo will consider leaving England altogether instead of joining a rival club.
There has been reported interest from Chelsea, who were eyeing a January deal and could return in the summer even though the midfielder’s wage demands might make it difficult for them as well. Inter Milan have been named as a potential foreign suitor.
The Red Devils have reluctantly slapped a £70 million price tag on his head, something the Nerazzurri might struggle to afford. Whether there will be a separate price for foreign teams remains to be seen.
Fans will be hugely disappointed if both Carrington graduates — Mainoo and Garnacho depart in the same window with Marcus Rashford also likely to make way.
Feature image Shaun Botterill 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
