The contract negotiations with Kobbie Mainoo have been dragging on, to say the least. Earlier this season, that was understandable. Under Ruben Amorim, he wasn’t playing much at all, but things have changed quickly. Mainoo has now started all of United’s matches under Michael Carrick and has quickly become one of the team’s most important players.
That is exactly why the contract situation is starting to feel uncomfortable.
Mainoo’s current deal runs until 2027, with United holding an option for an additional year. That means the club is not under immediate pressure to renew. From the club’s perspective there is time. From the player’s perspective, however, there is very little reason to sign anything new before the managerial situation is clarified and his long term role is defined.
And that is where the potential problem begins.
If a new contract is not agreed before the summer and Mainoo goes on to shine on the international stage, something England may very well do in the upcoming World Cup, interest will arrive quickly. Clubs across Europe are always watching talents like him.
Subjectively speaking, Mainoo is one of the biggest midfield talents to come through United since David Beckham. We all know how that story ended. Keeping your best young players has always been part of Manchester United’s DNA. Letting Mainoo slip away would be nothing short of a catastrophe for fans around the world.
Right now, I honestly see the chances of him leaving this summer at around 50 percent. Let’s hope he stays. Because even if he does, United’s midfield still needs reinforcements.
There is already uncertainty in several areas. Casemiro will leave at the end of the season. Manuel Ugarte has struggled to establish himself and could also move on. And then there is Bruno Fernandes. Interest from Saudi Arabia remains strong. Losing Bruno would be an even bigger disaster than losing Mainoo, so for the sake of my own sanity let’s assume he stays. I am not ready to imagine that scenario yet.
Either way, United will likely need at least one, possibly two, new midfielders. So who could realistically come in?
6 potential Kobbie Mainoo replacements for Man United
Ederson
26 years old, Atalanta
Ederson is a hardworking and versatile midfielder who can operate both defensively and further forward. He has three caps for Brazil and plays an important role in Atalanta’s midfield. Transfermarkt currently values him at around 40 million dollars. That number is unlikely to explode during the World Cup as he probably will not play a major role for Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti.
If Atalanta miss out on Champions League football, a move could become possible. That said, Serie A is not currently at its strongest level and Ederson contributes relatively little in terms of goals and assists. For a club like United, that may make him a slightly underwhelming option.
For that reason I think it is unlikely he ends up at Old Trafford.
Bruno Guimarães
28 years old, Newcastle United
Bruno Guimarães controls Newcastle’s midfield from a slightly deeper role. He works relentlessly, sees passes others do not, and dictates tempo extremely well. Newcastle would absolutely hate to lose him, especially to a Premier League rival. His market value sits somewhere around 75 million dollars, although any deal between Premier League clubs would almost certainly require a higher fee. Add a strong World Cup for Brazil, and the price could rise even further.
Casemiro has reportedly recommended Guimarães to United’s management. Still, his age works slightly against him. If United are rebuilding the midfield, the priority should probably be someone who can anchor it for the next decade.
Because of the price and the circumstances, this deal feels unlikely.
Sandro Tonali
25 years old, Newcastle United
Tonali is a deep lying, aggressive midfielder with excellent technique and a real box to box engine. His drive forward and ability to shoot from distance would add something United’s midfield currently lacks.
He is generally valued at around 75 million dollars in the current market. Italy face a difficult path to qualify for the World Cup, meaning his valuation probably will not increase dramatically this summer. Newcastle, however, would much rather sell abroad if they ever decided to move him. PSG have already been mentioned as a possible destination.
My guess is that Tonali either stays at Newcastle or moves to France.
Elliot Anderson
23 years old, Nottingham Forest
Anderson seems to be everywhere in Nottingham Forest’s midfield. He works relentlessly and contributes going forward as well. He has already broken into the England squad, which means his value could climb quickly during the summer.
However, if Forest are relegated, everything changes. A drop to the Championship would almost certainly push Anderson to look for a move and the price could fall significantly. His current market valuation sits just under 60 million dollars. If United were able to sign him somewhere around that number, it could be an outstanding piece of business.
Personally, I think Anderson has the potential to run United’s midfield for the next ten years. But competition for him would be fierce and Champions League football might be necessary to convince him.
Adam Wharton
22 years old, Crystal Palace
Wharton plays a similar role to Anderson but typically sits slightly deeper in Palace’s midfield. He has already produced five assists this season, showing he can influence games going forward.
Like Anderson and Mainoo, his international situation could affect his value significantly depending on Thomas Tuchel’s selections for England. He is currently valued at around 60 million dollars. Crystal Palace are unlikely to be relegated, which means they will be under no pressure to sell cheaply.
Still, Wharton feels like the type of intelligent, composed midfielder United have been missing. He could be a huge signing for the future.
João Gomes
25 years old, Wolverhampton Wanderers
João Gomes has been the standout midfielder at Wolves, although that might not be saying a huge amount this season.
When Wolves are relegated, Gomes will almost certainly move. He is hardworking, technically solid and moves the ball well, but there are still question marks. He has picked up nine yellow cards this season, which hints at a slightly reckless side to his game.
His market value is estimated to be around 40 million dollars. He probably will not feature heavily for Brazil at the World Cup, which means his price could remain relatively stable. At that level he may end up being one of the more affordable options available.
What United’s Midfield Could Look Like
If everything goes well and Mainoo signs a new contract, the ideal midfield next season would be him next to Elliot Anderson, with Bruno in front of them as the number 10. That combination would provide creativity, energy and long term stability.
If Anderson is not available, my second preference would be Wharton next to Mainoo, with Bruno in front of them as the number 10.
Either way, one thing is very clear;
Mainoo and Fernandes appear in both of these midfields.
INEOS and the leadership at Old Trafford should take that as a fairly obvious hint about what needs to happen next. And if United could somehow bring in both Wharton and Anderson, the midfield depth would finally look strong again, especially with the added demands of European football.
Hopefully.