Those within Manchester United feel there is one Academy star who could become the captain at Old Trafford, but there is a major worry surrounding his future at the club.
Manchester United’s Academy has emerged as the standout positive in what has been a turbulent two years for the Old Trafford club.
Last season was rescued by an FA Cup win under Erik ten Hag, but the Dutchman was dismissed in October, and his successor, Rúben Amorim, has so far struggled to lift the team’s form or spirit amid inconsistent results, although they have been unbeaten in their last seven fixtures.
Amidst the challenges at the senior level, the Academy has flourished. The U18s have been especially impressive, most notably with a thrilling 3-2 win over Arsenal at the Emirates in the FA Youth Cup earlier this year.
The club have also been active in securing top young talent, bringing in players like Chido Obi and Sekou Kone. Meanwhile, academy graduates such as Gabriele Biancheri and Jaydan Kamason are beginning to draw attention as they rise through the ranks.
A future captain from the Academy
United have long-standing pride in bringing players up through the Academy to represent the first team, with Gary Neville a standout example of a young player who eventually became the club captain.
According to the Manchester Evening News, there is also another player who graduated from the Academy in the last few seasons who those within the youth-team set up believe could go on to captain the club in the future.
Kobbie Mainoo made his first start for United in November 2023, winning Player of the Match in a 3-0 win over Everton, and later that season, he cemented his place in the England squad and became one of the youngest-ever players to start in a 2024 European Championship final.
According to the above report, those who have worked with Mainoo during his rise through United’s Academy believe he has the character to become a future captain of the club.
During his breakout season under Ten Hag, the Dutchman hailed Mainoo as the “perfect” midfielder, although he is yet to nail down a consistent starting place under Amorim amid injury issues and a change in system on the pitch.
There is a major worry surrounding Mainoo’s future
Despite the optimism surrounding Mainoo’s theoretical career at Old Trafford, there is a major worry surrounding whether he will be able to realise his future.
The MEN article has also delivered the grave news that there is a “genuine chance” the 19-year-old could leave the club this summer.
Despite the player signing a fresh contract in February 2023, Mainoo is keen on securing a new deal that better reflects his status as a crucial first-team player. Still, as of yet, there is an impasse on his future wage, with some reports explaining he is demanding over £150,000 a week.
The report states that a compromise must be reached for Mainoo to stay, but it’s thought that it may be better if Mainoo and United part ways this summer if a final figure cannot be agreed upon.
How the midfielder fits into Amorim’s plans will be assessed in the summer, and if he is to be sold, the club are looking for around £70 million.
Mainoo has been touted many times as the best product to come out of United’s Academy this century, and amid his clear and loving connections with the fans, the player’s sale could trigger a very sour relationship between the Old Trafford faithful and their club.
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