“We really wanted to sell him but Ruben Amorim was against it”: Man United’s owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has explained why Man United’s deal to sell FANS’ FAVOURITES was cancelled, star is set to sign a long-term contract now
Ineos have made it clear that nearly every Manchester United player is available for a certain price.
Reports in December suggested that Manchester United only have six unsellable players in their squad, but even that is no longer the case.
Ineos are reportedly open to offers for Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho despite the duo having broken through from the academy into the first team. Their status as an academy player makes them even more valuable from a PSR perspective.
Napoli have already bid £38m for Garnacho but United are holding out for a much higher asking price of around £58m. There is still a chance that the Argentine winger could leave this month.
United fans mocked Chelsea’s interest in Mainoo after reports claimed the Blues were “leading the chase” to sign him if he left Old Trafford.
Mainoo’s contract is valid until 2027 but talks over a new deal have dragged on.
Man United’s stance on Kobbie Mainoo’s contract
Selling Mainoo would be an unpopular move by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos but thankfully it seems United will keep hold of their breakthrough star.
Despite reports of Chelsea’s interest, Fabrizio Romano confirmed there have been no bids for Mainoo and United are eager to offer him a new contract.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey previously told United in Focus that Mainoo will earn around £150,000 per week under a new contract – with both parties expected to come to an agreement.
In a new update, Bailey has confirmed that “under no circumstances” will United let Kobbie Mainoo leave.
He adds that the Red Devils will be kicking themselves for not getting a new contract sorted earlier but there is confidence behind the scenes that a new deal will be agreed.
Bailey also revealed that Mainoo’s camp are very much focused on getting a new deal sorted at Old Trafford, with the midfielder set for a significant pay rise from his current £20,000 per week terms.
What Ruben Amorim has said on Kobbie Mainoo’s future
Unsurprisingly, Amorim wants to keep hold of Mainoo after being impressed by the 19-year-old.
Just last week, Amorim said: “My players are always my favourites and I always want to keep them, especially the talented ones. I’m really happy with Kobbie – he’s improving.”
Amorim has also been pushing Mainoo to improve, insisting he is not yet a finished product.
“I think you guys feel like Kobbie Mainoo is the finished product, he is not,” Amorim said. “He has so much potential to grow up even more. He is really good but he can be so much better. I think he is improving. All the players are improving.”
With Christian Eriksen and Casemiro linked with an exit, Amorim will likely want to add to his midfield depth in 2025.
However, there is definitely a place for Mainoo in his squad, and United chiefs are unanimous that a new contract should be a top priority.
