Manchester United face a critical decision regarding their 20-year-old academy star, Kobbie Mainoo, as the summer transfer window nears its close. The England international midfielder, once hailed as the future of United’s midfield, has been sidelined under manager Ruben Amorim, failing to play a single minute in the team’s opening two Premier League matches of the 2025-26 season.
Reports indicate Mainoo is open to leaving, with interest from clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid, and United could consider offers around £45-70m, which would count as pure profit under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) due to his homegrown status.
Mainoo, who started in England’s Euro 2024 final and scored in United’s 2024 FA Cup final win, has struggled to fit into Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, with the manager citing concerns over his mobility and defensive capabilities in central midfield.
Despite his undeniable talent—praised by legends like Roy Keane and Paul Scholes for his composure and technical ability—Mainoo’s limited playing time and stalled contract talks (he earns £20,000 per week and seeks £150,000) have fueled speculation about a potential exit. United are reluctant to sell but may favor a loan move abroad to preserve his value, with two years left on his contract (plus an optional 12-month extension).
Selling Mainoo could fund a squad overhaul, especially given United’s financial constraints, but it risks ending an 88-year tradition of including academy players in every matchday squad since 1937. Keeping him, however, might require Amorim to adapt his system or Mainoo to improve his physicality and versatility to secure a role.
With fans and analysts divided—some see him as a cornerstone to build around, while others argue his sale could ease PSR pressures—the decision could define United’s long-term strategy.
Despite his undeniable talent—praised by legends like Roy Keane and Paul Scholes for his composure and technical ability—Mainoo’s limited playing time and stalled contract talks (he earns £20,000 per week and seeks £150,000) have fueled speculation about a potential exit. United are reluctant to sell but may favor a loan move abroad to preserve his value, with two years left on his contract (plus an optional 12-month extension).
Selling Mainoo could fund a squad overhaul, especially given United’s financial constraints, but it risks ending an 88-year tradition of including academy players in every matchday squad since 1937. Keeping him, however, might require Amorim to adapt his system or Mainoo to improve his physicality and versatility to secure a role.
With fans and analysts divided—some see him as a cornerstone to build around, while others argue his sale could ease PSR pressures—the decision could define United’s long-term strategy.
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