If you open your go-to football news site or even X (formerly Twitter) in the latter stages of the transfer window you'll be reading all about Kobbie Mainoo. A year ago one would expect you'd be reading about how Manchester United are ready to offer him a new contract and build the team around him.
That's not the case though as United are reportedly prepared to listen to offers of £45m (that's right) just £45m for Mainoo. This is one of the most exciting academy graduates potentially in the club's history, a hugely gifted footballer who Ruben Amorim says is "fighting" for his place in the starting XI.
Ruben Amorim's bonkers stance over Kobbie Mainoo
To make matters worse, the report from The Athletic claims that Amorim has been searching for a Fernandes alternative. A midfielder who can partner Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte.
That's unbelievably worrying that Amorim views his ideal midfield to have either Casemiro or Ugarte starting. It's extremely worrying that INEOS back that idea, after doing well in rebuilding the squad with three excellent attacking acquistions.
🚨🗣️ @lauriewhitwell on Mainoo’s contract situation:
— UtdXclusive (@UtdXclusive) August 27, 2025
"His contract situation is a fascinating point in all of this as well. He’s still on around £20K a week and signed that contract when he was 17 - February 2023. He’d only just come into the team and all the development since… pic.twitter.com/sYmMBNfGTj
Mainoo is now said to be open to leaving because he is frustrated with his lack of first-team opportunities. If we have to bid farewell to the England international it's back to square one for Amorim who will lose the fans.
Man United will be losing its soul
Manchester United is a proud club built on giving youth a chance and believing in the club's academy to develop talent while also signing players who can help further improve the squad. This was a staple of Sir Alex Ferguson's illustrious reign in charge, unearthing gems such as the Class of 92' while signing world-class talent like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The fanbase were thrilled to see reports linking us with a move to Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, 21. Most envisioned he'd form a long-term partnership alongside Mainoo in the middle of the park.
“When I first came to United, I thought of only one thing: building a football club. I wanted to build right from the bottom... With this approach, the players all grow up together, producing a bond that, in turn, creates a spirit" - Sir Alex Ferguson
Mainoo, 20, should be enjoying his football and starring in a United side that needs a refresh in midfield. He has proven he can perform in high-pressure games, scoring the winner in the 2-1 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final two years ago.
Born in Stockport, he is humble, hardworking and a wonderful footballer to watch with the ball at their feet. The fact that Amorim isn't seeing that is a major red flag.
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