Manchester United has allegedly decided to capitalize on the promising academy talent Kobbie Mainoo during this summer transfer window. According to Football Insider, the Red Devils are open to offers starting at £70 million for the 19-year-old midfielder, who has been part of the club for a decade.
The young player from Stockport is regarded as one of the club’s most promising talents following an impressive season last year. However, INEOS also sees him as a valuable asset that could provide significant financial returns for the club, especially as they face challenges in meeting the requirements of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Regulations.
Kobbie Mainoo’s rise to prominence at Manchester United
Academy graduate Mainoo made three appearances during Erik ten Hag’s inaugural season in 2022/23, but he truly emerged as a regular first-team player in the following season, where he recorded five goals and three assists in 32 matches throughout the campaign. The midfielder demonstrated remarkable composure, energy, and aggression in his defensive midfield position, playing a pivotal role in the team’s success during the FA Cup final by scoring against fierce rivals Manchester City in a memorable victory at Wembley Stadium.
His impressive form towards the end of the season secured him a spot in the England squad and garnered praise from numerous pundits, including Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, who likened the teenager’s playing style to that of Clarence Seedorf.
“I’m not saying he is the same player or of the same ability but he gives me vibes of Clarence Seedorf. The way he can manoeuvre in tight situations and the way he manipulates the ball and uses his body at times. Elusive as well. Some people see the headlines and he just caresses it.” said Ferdinand on TNT Sport last season.
Mainoo originally joined the England squad as a fringe player but quickly emerged as a regular alongside Declan Rice as Gareth Southgate’s side made it all the way to the final before falling short against Spain.
Kobbie Mainoo has two years left on his contract with Old Trafford; however, he has not yet reached an agreement for a new long-term extension with the club’s management. This situation has sparked speculation that both Mainoo and Manchester United may be preparing to separate by the conclusion of the season. Former United scout Mick Brown shared this insight with Football Insider, stating, “He’s a current England international.”
“Given the market being what it is, I think United will accept a fee of around £70million. Personally, I don’t think they should even be thinking about selling him, but if he wants to leave and they think that’s the best decision, then that’s up to them.
“The club has been built on the young players who have come through into the first-team. Selling those players for profit has never been a part of their plans in the past. Can you imagine they’d decided to sell Norman Whiteside, David Beckham or Paul Scholes when they were coming through just because they could’ve made some money from them?
“I understand INEOS want to raise money and one way to do that is through selling players, but the academy players should be kept at all costs.If it’s to get them out of financial trouble now, they only have themselves to blame.The way things are going, though, a £70million fee will be seen as a boost for them.They can raise some money which can go back into the club and hopefully there will be some left over to fund a replacement. I don’t know who you’re getting with that money that’s better than Mainoo, though.”
Chelsea, a rival in the Premier League, was significantly associated with Mainoo during the summer transfer window. According to TeamTalk, the Blues are expected to be among the initial clubs interested in acquiring the young talent if he becomes available. Manchester United may face the necessity of selling an academy prospect this summer due to financial concerns related to Profit and Sustainability Regulations. However, it is believed that the club’s primary intention remains to transfer Marcus Rashford, particularly following his disagreement with Ruben Amorim and the subsequent choice to loan him to competitors Aston Villa.