Mainoo and Garnacho exits ‘sad’ but Man United owners don’t care – Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes does not believes Man United would have any hesitation selling the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho in order to raise funds for the club.
The ex-Red Devils midfielder however, is one who would prefer to see the young duo remain at Old Trafford.
Earlier this week the club announced plans to build a new stadium worth £2billion to replace their current stadium by the year 2030.
That has already led to questions about how Man United will be able to invest in their squad while funding that new ground.
Now Scholes has suggested that the Red Devils could make that happen by sanctioning some high profile departures.
‘Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho could be up for sale’ – Paul Scholes
There have recently been suggestions that Man United could sell the likes of Mainoo and Garnacho as a possible way to avoid punishment for breaching PSR.
News of this new stadium means that the Red Devils’ finances are once again going to come under strain and scrutiny, especially as they look to improve their squad on the pitch as well.
Speaking in an interview on TNT Sports, the club’s CEO Omer Berrada had suggested they will be able to continue to invest in their squad while putting money into that new ground.
| Kobbie Mainoo for Man United in 2024/25 | Total (as per SofaScore) |
| Appearances | 18 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Pass Success Rate | 87% |
| Dribble Success Rate | 51% |
| Duel Success Rate | 46% |
Scholes does not share the optimism they will be able to do that unless the likes of Mainoo and Garnacho are cut from the Man United squad, which he feels will not concern the owners as much as others.
After he was then asked if he shares Berrada’s confidence about being able to split finances between the squad and stadium, the former England international said (7:24pm): “As I said before words are cheap.
“It’s ok saying all the right things, they’re getting rid of people to try and raise money to invest in the squad and trying to find ways around it to do that.
“That sounds like they’re going to sell players to do that, whether they sell the young players I know the financial fair play comes into that, you talk about a Kobbie Mainoo you talk about a Garnacho.
“It would be sad to lose them type of players because these are players that have grown up at the club but I think these lot are quite ruthless in that way so I don’t really think that will bother them one little as long it gives them a little bit more money.”
Man United fans will not want to see young stars leave
Football Insider Verdict
It does seem as though Scholes’ prediction of potential exits for the young duo from Old Trafford may not be wide of the mark.
Man United are apparently open to selling Mainoo for £70million in the summer after he turned down a contract offer from the club.
Garnacho meanwhile was linked with Chelsea back in the January transfer window so could also be a candidate to be moved on.
That would be disappointing for supporters given the pair have both come through the ranks at the club to become part of the first-team, something fans always like to see.
It is also worth noting the pair have been among the brighter sparks for Man United in recent times, so it would be a blow in terms of quality as well.
But given how Jim Ratcliffe has gone about making cuts at Old Trafford, it does feel hard to imagine he would think twice about shipping these two off as well if it helped the financial situation.