Despite rumours surrounding the future of Kobbie Mainoo, his agents have seemingly handed Manchester United a massive boost after the latest set of contract talks.
Stockport-porn Kobbie Mainoo has quickly risen through the ranks at Manchester United to become one of the club’s most exciting young talents.
Born in 2005, he joined United’s academy at just nine years old and made significant strides during the 2022-2023 season, shining for both the under-18s and under-21s.
His standout performances earned him a place on United’s 2023 pre-season tour, where he impressed with his calmness on the ball, sharp passing, and footballing intelligence. Manager Erik ten Hag has spoken highly of Mainoo, praising his versatility and maturity beyond his years.
Although an untimely injury during pre-season briefly halted his momentum, Mainoo’s rise continued once he returned. After establishing himself as an essential player for Ten Hag at the end of 2023, he continued to prove to the world how talented he was, earning a call-up for England for the 2024 European Championships, where he started in the final under Gareth Southgate.
So far, under new head coach Rúben Amorim, the 19-year-old has failed to establish a firm position in the team, after a few injuries and a change in system have left some to question his future at Old Trafford despite his immense talent.
Contract struggles between United and Mainoo
Mainoo’s last contract for the club was signed in February 2023, although this was secured before the player became an integral first-team player and full England international.
Due to his rise, Mainoo is said to be demanding a wage of around £150,000 a week, if reports are to be believed, which is more than the club is willing to offer.
Amid this struggle, it has been reported in the British press that a compromise must be reached with both parties for a new contract to be signed, and if one cannot be reached by the summer, the club feel it may be better to move Mainoo on.
It is said that they would look to demand around £70 million for the midfielder in the summer window if they determine that he is not within Amorim’s long-term plans.
Mainoo’s agents hand United a significant boost
Despite the potential doom and gloom of Mainoo leaving Old Trafford in the summer, the club have been offered a ray of hope.
According to TBR Football, although his representatives were unimpressed about leaks surrounding his potential new salary, sources “on both sides” of negotiations have given positive signs and are happy with how talks are progressing.
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It is said that there is now confidence on both sides that a conclusion can be reached from both parties and that lines of communication continue to remain open amid fresh talks in recent weeks.
“We need time to understand the players, he was struggling a lot defending as a midfielder, now more as a 10 you can feel that he was so free playing the ball near the box,” Amorim said of Maino earlier this year.
“[His play] near the box is really good, the small connections so we need time to work with our players to understand what is their best position.”
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