Kobbie Mainoo’s asking price drops over £25m since Chelsea approach in new exit update
Man United's asking price for Kobbie Mainoo has dropped massively after Enzo Maresca's Chelsea registered an interest in the midfielder.
The 20-year-old academy graduate has been a key figure over the last two seasons, especially during Erik ten Hag's reign, but that could all be about to come to an end ahead of the 1 September deadline.
Real Madrid are the latest club to target Mainoo, but that should be no surprise given the England international's abilities in the middle of the park. Yet, Ruben Amorim has not seen evidence of that.
He has yet to start the youngster in the first few games of the 2025/26 campaign, with Bruno Fernandes dropping back alongside Casemiro to accommodate Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in attack.
It is becoming clearer and clearer that Mainoo may actually be allowed to leave Old Trafford this summer, and multiple clubs around Europe are likely to take an interest at the price currently being quoted.
Kobbie Mainoo is available for below £45million
According to The Athletic (27 August), there is a belief at Old Trafford that £45million could now be accepted for Mainoo, and as the transfer deadline looms, that price could drop further.
Chelsea had enquired about the England international's availability during the winter transfer window, with officials at Stamford Bridge being quoted a £70m asking price, which has dropped considerably.
Mick Brown told Football Insider earlier this month that Mainoo could be tempted to leave Man United due to serious concerns for his playing time under Amorim.
Ruben Amorim risks Man United fallout over prodigee's exit
Football Insider verdict
Amorim is facing pressure from Man United fans over his stance on Mainoo's future, but with the manager refusing to budge, those supporters could be left extremely frustrated.
Many were hoping for Marcus Rashford to remain at the Theatre of Dreams following his successful loan spell at Aston Villa, but the forward has now joined Barcelona on loan for the season.
Rasmus Hojlund, Antony, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia, and Alejandro Garnacho have all been added to the club's "bomb squad", with the boss attempting to put his own spin on the squad for this campaign.
Should the former Sporting CP manager be unable to turn things around, with a summer transfer window now under his belt, his time with the Red Devils could already be coming to a frustrating end.
With the number of exciting signings being made, he now has zero excuses for a poor season, as last time out, he had finished 15th in the Premier League and lost in the Europa League final to Tottenham.
Allowing Mainoo to leave appears to be the right decision for all parties, especially if his game time is to be limited, but it may take a while for fans to get over