Kobbie Mainoo set to reject Man Utd contract for move abroad with extensive negotiations not going anywhere.
Kobbie Mainoo set to reject Manchester United contract and move abroad.
Mainoo intends to turn down Manchester United’s offer of a new contract and look for a move overseas. Although the midfielder’s contract is just for two years, the team is willing to trade the England international, who is worth roughly £70 million, to improve their financial situation.
The Stockport-born academy graduate, who turned 20 in April, started playing for United at the age of six and made his debut in 2023 at the age of 17. With 60 first team appearances and 10 England caps, Mainoo has been in lengthy talks for a new contract, but no deal has been reached. Although he has been mentioned as a possible Chelsea target, he is not currently considering moving to another Premier League team.
Mainoo’s representation want to increase his pay to better reflect his contribution to the team, which now stands at around £20,000 per week. Mainoo might still agree to better terms, according to United.
The proceeds from the sale of Mainoo would be a nice boost for United, who need to raise money in order to make recruits, should he decide not to extend his contract. However, many supporters would find it hard to accept losing a native player while Ruben Amorim is working to restore the team.
Given that any fee would be deducted as profit once Mainoo graduated from the academy and that a player’s value often declines in the last two years of a contract, United would be keen to maximise his sale price. No direct communication with other clubs has occurred.
Mainoo was a regular under Amorim before a calf injury in February but the head coach concluded he could not use him in his usual midfield role. “He was struggling a lot defending, as a midfielder – now more as a No 10 you can feel he’s playing on the ball nearer the box and near the box is really good with his small connections,” Amorim said in late January. “We need time to work with players on what is their best position.”
During the winter transfer season, Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, another academy alumnus, were up for grabs for the appropriate price. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in United has brought attention to the club’s financial predicament. A big cost-cutting operation spearheaded by the minority owner has resulted in the layoff of 250 employees and the planned loss of another 200.