BREAKING NEWS: “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.
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.
The situation surrounding Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho highlights the complexities of Manchester United’s current squad management under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS. Despite their status as two of the most promising academy graduates in recent years, their futures at Old Trafford have been subjects of intense speculation.
### **Kobbie Mainoo: A Top Priority for Manchester United**
– **Contract Status:** Mainoo’s current deal runs until 2027, but the club is eager to secure his long-term future with a lucrative new contract. Reports suggest he could earn around £150,000 per week, a significant increase from his current £20,000 per week.
– **United’s Stance:** Transfer expert Graeme Bailey and Fabrizio Romano have confirmed that United has no intention of selling Mainoo, despite interest from Chelsea and other clubs. The club recognizes his immense potential and plans to make him a cornerstone of the midfield.
– **Ruben Amorim’s Vision:** Amorim has expressed his commitment to Mainoo’s development, emphasizing that while the 19-year-old is not yet the finished product, his potential is undeniable. Amorim’s approach aligns with United’s long-term strategy of nurturing young talent.
– **Implications for the Squad:** With Christian Eriksen and Casemiro linked to potential exits, Mainoo’s role in the midfield becomes even more critical. His dynamism, vision, and ability to adapt make him a valuable asset for the future.
### **Alejandro Garnacho: The Uncertain Future**
– **Napoli’s Interest:** The Italian club has already submitted a £38 million bid for Garnacho, but United is holding out for closer to £58 million. This valuation reflects his talent and marketability, particularly as an academy graduate.
– **Transfer Risk:** Unlike Mainoo, Garnacho’s future seems less secure, with INEOS reportedly open to offers. While no deal is imminent, the interest from Napoli and other clubs could test United’s resolve.
– **Fan Sentiment:** Garnacho is a fan favorite, and selling him would likely provoke a strong backlash. His flair, directness, and ability to impact games make him a crucial player for the club’s attacking lineup.
### **The PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) Factor**
Both Mainoo and Garnacho are highly valuable from a PSR perspective, as academy graduates are considered pure profit in financial calculations. Selling either player could help the club meet financial regulations but at the cost of weakening the squad and alienating fans.
### **Conclusion: Balancing Talent and Finances**
Manchester United’s handling of Mainoo and Garnacho will be a litmus test for the new regime under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS. While Mainoo appears set to stay, the uncertainty surrounding Garnacho underscores the tension between financial pragmatism and maintaining a competitive squad. Securing new deals for both players should be a top priority to ensure United’s future success on and off the pitch.
