‘Kobbie Mainoo is up for sale, we’re expecting him to go’ – Man United twist stuns expert
Kobbie Mainoo could remain at Man United beyond the summer despite initial expectations that he would leave, according to their former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade during the club’s most successful period and remains very well-connected there, exclusively told Football Insider that the 20-year-old has a chance to establish himself in Ruben Amorim’s side.
As things stand, no clubs have shown a willingness to match United’s lofty asking price and he is growing more likely to stay into next season.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider revealed in March that Man United will accept £70million bids for Mainoo as they plan to raise significant funds from his sale.
The England international turned down the offer of a contract extension at Old Trafford, sparking speculation about an exit with the likes of Chelsea interested.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider oin February that Man United plan to accept offers for Mainoo this summer in an attempt to climb out of a difficult financial position.
Kobbie Mainoo could make shock Man United U-turn
Brown told Football Insider in January that Man United should not sell Mainoo under any circumstances despite ongoing speculation about his future.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and also worked for the likes of Tottenham, West Ham and Aston Villa, explained that United would be happy to keep the midfielder despite planning for his exit.
“I’ve always thought they should be keeping Mainoo,” he told Football Insider.
“If it was down to me, I would be doing everything possible to keep the academy graduates at the club because that is what Man United has been built on over the years.
“But it has become clear that the club now don’t agree with that way of viewing things.
“Their stance has been that these players are all for sale if they can make a significant profit from them.
“Mainoo’s situation is a tricky one, because I think everybody was expecting him to go.
“It seems like the interest in him, whichever clubs that may have been from, has faded because nobody has given any indication that they’d be willing to meet his asking price.
“He’s a very, very talented player, so I expect they’ll be happy to keep him.
“He hasn’t been massively involved since Amorim came in, so maybe this will be a chance for him to establish himself in the starting XI.
“I just don’t think the interest is there at the moment, which is good for United as far as I’m concerned.”
Rasmus Hojlund to leave Old Trafford as replacement lined up
Mainoo is not the only player being linked with a move away from Old Trafford, amid a growing feeling that Rasmus Hojund could be sold in the coming weeks.
Brown told Football Insider on 21 July that Man United will accept offers for Hojlund as they aim to raise funds to reinvest in a new centre-forward.
Big-money deals for Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this summer have taken big chunks out of the budget at Old Trafford, with sales now the focus.
Football Insider revealed on 4 July that Ollie Watkins’ signing could hinge on Hojlund’s future, with the club aiming to move him on before making other moves.
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