Why Kobbie Mainoo Is Likely to Stay at Manchester United

Reports have emerged suggesting Kobbie Mainoo is considering rejecting a new contract at Manchester United unless his salary demands—reportedly around £150,000 per week, are met. Will Unwin of The Guardian claimed, “Kobbie Mainoo is minded to reject the offer of a new contract at ­Manchester United and seek a move abroad. The midfielder has two years on his deal but the club would be open to ­selling the England international, who is valued at about £70m, to help their finances.” Meanwhile, Alex Crook of TalkSPORT reported, “Kobbie Mainoo wants to stay at Manchester United, but wants a salary that recognises his value to the team.”

While these reports may raise concerns, there’s little reason to believe Mainoo is on the verge of leaving. For starters, his current contract runs until 2027, with the option of an extra year, so the club are under no pressure to sell. That gives United ample time to negotiate a new deal, and even if the reported wage demands are accurate, it’s not unusual for players and their representatives to use the media as leverage in contract talks.

However, there are still questions about where Mainoo fits into Ruben Amorim’s system at Manchester United. Amorim is determined to stick to his favoured 3-4-3 formation, which raises doubts about where a traditional central midfielder with the profile of Mainoo would operate. Some reports suggest he could be used in a more advanced role, and he has already been trialled further forward, including as one of the number 10s in the system. In the 2-0 Europa League win away to FCSB in January, Mainoo played with freedom in the final third and looked a threat both in creating chances and getting into dangerous positions in the penalty area. The youngster even chipped in with a beautiful composed side footed finish for United’s second goal that evening. Mainoo’s positive offensive performance gave Amorim food for thought and the Red Devils coach went a step further, playing Mainoo as the ‘False 9’ against Crystal Palace four days later. It would be fair to say that experiment did not go as planned and United slumped to another home defeat after an all too familiar toothless performance. While Mainoo’s technical ability and composure on the ball make him a versatile option, it remains unclear whether Amorim sees him as a long term guaranteed starter in his preferred setup. Surely one of Carrington’s most talented graduates in decades is the type of player you look to build a team around? 

Mainoo’s importance to United is unquestionable. He has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise chaotic season, culminating in his crowning moment in the FA Cup final, where he scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Manchester City. To perform on such a stage at just 19 years old shows his maturity and ability to deliver under pressure. That moment solidified his status as a key player for United, making it even harder to imagine the club allowing him to leave.

Given United’s financial situation and the wage structure being implemented under INEOS, the club is likely treading carefully. However, losing Mainoo—one of the most promising talents to emerge from the academy in years—would be a PR disaster for the new ownership. United’s fanbase is already disillusioned after years of mismanagement, and allowing a homegrown star to leave over wages would only fuel the unrest.

It’s important to consider Mainoo’s position, too. He’s quickly become a crucial player for United and has broken into the England squad. At just 19, he’s already one of the most reliable midfielders at the club, outperforming senior players on significantly higher wages. Wanting a contract that reflects his value isn’t unreasonable.

Mainoo’s has a deep-rooted connection to Manchester United. He is a boyhood United fan, born and raised in Stockport, with his family still based in the city. Having joined the club’s academy at the age of nine, he has spent a decade working his way through the ranks to establish himself in the first team. His journey at United is only just beginning, and given his rapid development, a move away at this stage of his career feels highly unlikely. Leaving now would mean walking away from the club that nurtured him, just as he is becoming a cornerstone of the team. Add to that the fact that he is already adored by the fans and has the chance to become a long-term leader at United, and it becomes clear that staying put is the logical choice. Whether we believe the reports or not, there is still no evidence to suggest money is Mainoo’s primary motivation for allegedly considering a move away from Old Trafford. That said, why have the renewed contract talks taken so long?

Ultimately, this situation feels like contract negotiations being played out in public. United will likely reach an agreement with Mainoo, as losing him would send a damaging message about INEOS’s long-term vision. His representatives may be using media speculation as a bargaining tool, but that doesn’t mean he’s actively looking to leave.

If the club and player reach an agreement, the final salary figure will be telling. If INEOS are serious about a structured wage policy, they must find a way to balance financial discipline with keeping their best talents. How much they value Mainoo will soon become clear, but all signs point to an eventual agreement rather than an exit.