Jarrad Branthwaite reacts to Kobbie Mainoo message as Man United interest builds
Kobbie Mainoo’s latest social media post has gathered attention from Premier League stars amid speculation over his future.
Mainoo has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer to fund a squad rebuild.
Ruben Amorim has already spent £62.5million Matheus Cunha and wants to add Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo and Sporting Libson striker Viktor Gyokeres to his ranks.
Those deals will not come cheap so United are open to offers for the English midfielder.
Branthwaite reacts to Mainoo post
Mainoo took to Instagram (24 June) to post a series of pictures of him enjoying his post-season break.
The 20-year-old appeared 37 times for United last season, but contributed just two goals and one assist.
He failed to kick on after scoring five goals and contributing three assists in his debut season at the club.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite was among those to like the post just days after the Toffees announced the appointment of United academy chief Nick Cox.
Cox oversaw the graduation of Mainoo into the United senior side from the academy.
Branthwaite was a target for Man United last summer with the Red Devils offering £40-50million for the defender – offers that Everton’s former CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider were “stupid” and “ridiculous”.
The 22-year-old could still be a target for Amorim’s side this term, meaning that he could be a teammate of Mainoo before long.
Amorim to make Mainoo verdict
Football Insider verdict
Mainoo is one of England’s most talented young players and it seems a surprise that Amorim is willing to let the youngster leave the club to potentially a Premier League rival.
In his breakthrough season under Erik ten Hag he became a key figure for United in the middle of the park and even scored the winning goal against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
Mainoo was also a key player for England at Euro 2024 playing six matches at the tournament.
| Appearances | 72 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 2 |
Injuries though did disrupt him last season and the sacking of ten Hag and the subsequent arrival of Amorim also seemed to hinder the midfielder.
Amorim decided against starting Mainoo in the Europa League final instead playing both Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes in a system that didn’t suit either player.
A Premier League club could have a long-term talent if United do sell this summer, and Amorim could come to regret that choice.
Having already let Christian Eriksen leave, Amorim may need to sign a new young midfielder if Mainoo departs to play alongside 33-year-old Casemiro.