Fabrizio Romano has revealed that one of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s decisions at Manchester United stalled a contract extension for Kobbie Mainoo.
Kobbie Mainoo has been an unused substitute in both of Manchester United’s opening Premier League fixtures this season.
At Craven Cottage, shortly after United’s travelling supporters were calling for their side to “attack, attack, attack,” Ruben Amorim instead introduced two central defenders, leaving the Academy graduate on the bench once again.
The decision has sparked growing concern over Mainoo’s role under the new manager, with fresh reports suggesting that a move away before the transfer deadline cannot be ruled out.
Amorim has stated that Mainoo is competing directly with Bruno Fernandes for a spot in the side – a tough task given the club captain’s near-constant presence in the starting XI.
Romano reveals Ratcliffe decision stalled Mainoo contract
While reports about a potential Mainoo exit before the transfer deadline have been downplayed by Fabrizio Romano, he has delivered an interesting update on the player’s contract.
The Italian journalist discussed Mainoo’s situation on his YouTube channel and mentioned how an agreement to an extension was ‘very close’ months ago, but that is not the case right now.
Romano states that the reasoning for this is due to the departure of ex-sporting director Dan Ashworth, who was kicked out by Sir Jim Ratcliffe less than six months after arriving at the club last year.
Ashworth was ‘leading negotiations’ for Mainoo’s new deal and since his departure the talks had to be restarted and the Reds have clearly not made significant progress since then.
“It was months ago when Man United were very close to reaching an agreement with Kobbie Mainoo over a new contract,” said Romano.
“Then what happened was that Dan Ashworth, who was leading those negotiations, left the club and new directors [took control] and so for Manchester United it was time to restart.
“But at the moment there is still no negotiations [over an exit], I would not add any panic to the situation of Kobbie Mainoo.”
Mainoo’s contract not the biggest issue right now
It was always strange how the talks over Mainoo’s contract went quiet and there was never really an explanation for it until now.
Ashworth’s exit is an understandable reason and Mainoo has essentially had an uncertain position in the team since then under Amorim.
His contract is still not a huge issue right now, there are multiple years left on it and United have the option to extend it for another 12 months.
The bigger problem that Amorim must solve is finding a place for Mainoo in his plans, and that shouldn’t actually be difficult considering the player’s talent.
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