Manchester United are reported to have held fresh contract talks with teenager Kobbie Mainoo, who was wanted in the January transfer window by Chelsea.
The Red Devils have endured a difficult season - both on and off the pitch - and are currently 14th in the Premier League having accumulated just 33 points.
There have been few bright sparks for fans in 2024-25, though there are hopes that young stars such as Chido Obi-Martin could help the club escape the turmoil they find themselves in.
Mainoo is viewed in a similar light, with the midfielder's breakout season in 2023-24 seeing him cement his place as a regular in the starting XI.
Amidst reports that Chelsea hold an interest in the 19-year-old's signature, the Daily Mail claim that talks regarding a contract extension have taken place, with Mainoo's representatives wanting a pay rise to £180,000 a week plus bonuses.
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Should United give Mainoo's demands
The 19-year-old still has more than two years left on his current deal with the Red Devils, though there is an argument that the best time to sell him would be in the upcoming summer in order to avoid him entering the final year of his contract.
United are in the midst of a financial crisis and selling Mainoo would help ease concerns significantly given money raised from selling homegrown players counts as pure profit.
The midfielder's reported wage demands are also high for someone of his experience, and giving him such a salary would likely inflate the price of any future contract to beyond £200,000 a week.
However, it would be difficult to justify allowing one of the club's most talented players to leave, let alone for a rival like Chelsea, and it would be unfair to sell him before boss Ruben Amorim has had a real chance to see how he fits in his system.
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Mainoo's future at United
Mainoo has been sidelined for more than a month due to a calf injury, and his absence in midfield has been noticeable as he is one of few players able to compete against physical opponents.
Amorim has often selected Manuel Ugarte in a double pivot, and the Uruguayan could be a formidable partner for Mainoo out of possession in the coming seasons.
It should be noted that while Ugarte is an impressive duellist and though Mainoo excels at keeping the ball under pressure, neither are particularly strong passers of the ball, and that could be an issue against low blocks.
Perhaps Amorim would be able to get the most out of the teenager if he was to sign another midfielder that could relieve him of some responsibility on the ball.
Lewis Nolan
