Kobbie Mainoo ‘not asking for too much money’ at Man United amid Tottenham update
Kobbie Mainoo has emerged as a potential option for Tottenham amid stalled contract talks with Man United despite his low demands.
After breaking into the United first XI in the 2023-24 season, representing England at Euro 2024, the 20-year-old’s career has slumped.
The United academy product made just 16 starts for the Red Devils last campaign with Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes occupying the starting roles across the season.
With two years left on his contract, the central midfielder is keen to guarantee his future at Old Trafford by signing a new deal, which has proved hard to secure.
Ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season as United boss, Mainoo faces the prospect of limited minutes and an insecure future, despite claims now emerging that, relative to big-money teammates, securing his future shouldn’t be too expensive.
Mainoo to Tottenham a possibility
Speaking on talkSPORT (24 July), ex-Wales striker Dean Saunders revealed that Mainoo “is not asking for too much money” in regard to his United contract.
Saunders said: “I know his [Mainoo’s] agent and he is not asking for too much money in comparison to what the players are earning at Man United.
“But, it’s a dilemma for the football club: what do you do with Mainoo? How much money do you pay him?”
The panel debated the reported interest of Tottenham about Mainoo’s availability with Alan Brazil commenting: “I’ve always said that Tottenham’s midfield is not good enough, they need more pace in there.
“The jury is out here…I’d like to see him stay at United, I’d like to see him get his career back on track.”
Maturing moment in Mainoo’s career
Football Insider verdict
With two years left on his contract with an option to extend for an extra year according to Transfermarkt, the Englishman does have time on his side before rushing into any decision about his next steps.
Yet, his treatment under Amorim suggests that he is not as favoured as he was under now-Bayer Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag.
Staying for another season could be the optimal thing to do, to continue to work alongside seasoned professionals such as Casemiro and Fernandes before potentially venturing elsewhere.
Moreover, the ownership at Old Trafford is not afraid to chop and change the manager if Amorim fails to impress, leaving the door open for Mainoo to impress under a new head coach.
Joining Spurs is not a ridiculous proposition either, with the Lilywhites seeking additions to the middle of the park as they still pursue Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White.
If Mainoo wants to be part of Thomas Tuchel’s England 2026 World Cup squad, then he must find regular minutes before he misses out on the opportunity.