Man United savaged for ‘terrible’ Kobbie Mainoo move – ‘Bruno Fernandes is to blame’
Manchester United have been warned against making a terrible transfer decision with young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
Mainoo has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, and a number of top European clubs have been credited with an interest in the 20-year-old.
Both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid want the England international, and Chelsea enquired about his availability back in January.
Mainoo has been an unused substitute for both of United’s first two games of the Premier League season, and seems to be down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim.
However, Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Man United will be making a big mistake if they sell their academy graduate.
Man United should keep Kobbie Mainoo over Bruno Fernandes
This article contains exclusive comment from Keith Wyness, former Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen CEO.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that if Man United have to sell one of Bruno Fernandes or Mainoo, then the Portugal international should be who they choose to offload.
Fernandes has been linked with a move to Al-Ittihad, after rebuffing attempted bids from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal earlier this summer.
Wyness added that it would be very disappointing if United sold Mainoo, as it would be a waste of a huge talent.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “If Bruno Fernandes leaves, then Mainoo is a direct replacement for him.
“There’s been a lot of talk. Mainoo was the great new hope when he came on the scene. Everyone rated him, and everyone still rates him highly.
“I think he’s unhappy having to be a number two behind Fernandes. I don’t know if I actually would put them both together, but it seems that Amorim has this view on it. That’s where a lot of the problems are starting to come from in terms of the way Amorim is trying to shoehorn players into that formation.
“Mainoo and Fernandes are quality players, and Mainoo would be one you’d want to keep. He’s come through the ranks, he’s the right age, and if they waste him and let him go, I’d be very disappointed in United. I think that would be a terrible sign for them.
“This will be elegantly solved if Fernandes does go to Al-Ittihad, and Mainoo steps up and takes that position. So that’s probably what United are thinking if Fernandes was to go, so at least they’ve got some depth in that position.”
Man United given Jadon Sancho lifeline
Meanwhile, Man United could have longer than they originally thought to offload Jadon Sancho, sources have told Football Insider.
It had seemed as if United were facing a race against time to sell Sancho, given the fact that the Premier League transfer deadline is on 1 September.
However, sources say that if the Red Devils can find a Turkish club that wants to sign the out-of-favour winger, then they will have longer to agree a deal.
The transfer window in Turkey does not close until 12 September, giving Amorim’s side an extra 11 days to get rid of Sancho.
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