Kobbie Mainoo edging closer to Manchester United exit as he has no “settled role” | OneFootball

Manchester United and Kobbie Mainoo could reportedly part ways this summer in a controversial move.

Earlier this month, Sir Jim Ratcliffe underlined that Ineos will not be selling their young stars due to the club’s financial issues, much to the delight of the United faithful who feared that the likes of Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho could be shipped out to balance the books.

However, now it is being suggested that Ruben Amorim’s tactical ideas could force Mainoo out of his boyhood club.

Manchester United could sell Kobbie Mainoo in summer

According to the Manchester Evening News, the 19-year-old has been in contract negotiations with United since March 2024 but an agreement still hasn’t been reached.

It is understood that there is a “genuine chance” that the academy product could leave at the end of the season.

A number of factors will dictate the final outcome of the contract negotiations, with one being Mainoo’s role in Amorim’s project.

It is claimed that “how Mainoo fits into Amorim’s plans will be considered ahead of a decision this summer.”

The England international made his breakthrough under Erik ten Hag as a box-to-box midfielder but he doesn’t have a “settled role” under Amorim.

Mainoo started as a central midfielder under the Portuguese tactician but lately, Amorim has used him higher up the field, deploying him in the No. 10 position, owing to concerns over his ability to defend as a midfielder.

However, as a wide playmaker, Mainoo faces competition from Alejandro Garnacho, Amad, Joshua Zirkzee, Mason Mount, and Bruno Fernandes who are all arguably more suited to play in the final third than the talented young midfielder.

Accordingly, a split might be considered best for all parties involved.

It is suggested that United could look to “bank a fee in the region of £70million” for the Englishman.

Mainoo has quickly established himself as an Old Trafford favourite and many believe “he’s got the character to become a future United captain” due to his immense potential and work ethic. As such, his departure departure would be “controversial”.

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