Manchester United willing to sell starlet only for “exceptional” offer

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Manchester United will consider selling midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in January if they receive an exceptional offer according to Sky Sports. Mainoo has fallen down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim but remains highly rated at Old Trafford.

The player remains a key part of Amorim’s plans going forward amid belief internally that he will improve with age. The player’s temperament remains the unknown factor however, after Mainoo requested a loan transfer away from the club to gain more first team minutes.

Mainoo’s brother drew headlines this week when he was pictured wearing a shirt with the words “free Kobbie Mainoo” during United’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on Monday. This was met with widespread disdain from many pundits and media outlets and added fuel to the speculation surrounding the player’s future.

Mainoo himself remains a popular figure at United though, and received a warm applause as a 61st minute substitute on Monday night.

Mainoo has yet to start a Premier League game for United this season however, a stat which will concern both the player and new England manager Thomas Tuchel. The player has grown frustrated with his lack of game time after being a regular under former United boss Erik ten Hag.

He was a regular for England around this time last year as well, earning the last of his ten caps in September of 2024. Ahead of next summer’s world cup, he has yet to feature under Tuchel.

United manager Ruben Amorim has previously stated that Mainoo’s path to first team football is blocked by skipper Bruno Fernandes.

“We play with two midfielders,” Amorim said. “We could change in the future but Kobbie Mainoo is playing in the same position as Bruno Fernandes and sometimes it’s really hard to take Bruno Fernandes out of the team and that is the only reason.”

When asked if Mainoo is a player he rates highly, Amorim added: “Of course. Like everyone else.”

A loan for Mainoo is seen as unattractive to United, as the player is on relatively low wages due to his route through the United youth set up. There is no need for United to have his salary covered by another club for a short stint, and replacing him would be difficult in the middle of the season.

A permanent sale would be the only likely solution. While there are many interested suitors, only a handful would be able to afford the financial package.

Nadji is a football writer with over 10 years of experience covering the Premier League. His work has been featured on Football Fancast, Arsenal-Mania, and Arsenal.com, where he has built a reputation for delivering sharp analysis, engaging storytelling, and in-depth coverage of the game.