Man United enter ‘talks’ with ‘unhappy’ £46m star, Chelsea hold him ‘in high regard’ – report | OneFootball

Manchester United are battling through a gruelling 2024-25 season, forcing them to shift focus towards long-term planning.

According to Daily Mail, Man United have opened fresh talks with Kobbie Mainoo over a new deal.

The 19-year-old wants a pay rise to £180,000-a-week plus bonuses to renew his contract but United are hopeful of convincing him that his long-term future is at the club and of reaching a compromise.

Mainoo believes his proposed salary fairly reflects his growing stature, both at the club and as a key figure in the England squad.

He was ‘unhappy‘ with the initial terms offered by the Red Devils earlier this year.

The teenager has cemented his place in the United side, with his crowning moment coming when he netted the FA Cup winner against Manchester City last season.

His impact extends beyond club football, as he played a pivotal role in England’s journey to the European Championship final.

Mainoo signed his current deal in 2023, with terms expiring in 2027 but United have the option to extend it by another year.

He was the subject of transfer speculation in January with Chelsea reportedly interested in his services.

It was revealed that the London outfit “hold Mainoo in high regard and he is on a list of possible transfer targets”, keeping the door open for a future move.

Manager Ruben Amorim has deployed the £46 million-rated ace in a more advanced role rather than as a deep-lying midfielder.

He had been operating in the left No.10 role before a muscle injury sidelined him, ruling him out until April.

Amorim faces a shortage of attacking options, with only Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho available to lead the charge.

Marcus Rashford and Antony both departed on loan in January, further depleting United’s attacking depth.

Amad Diallo also suffered a setback in training last month and is expected to miss the remainder of the campaign.

Mainoo is undoubtedly a key player for United, but awarding him a £180,000-a-week salary at this stage may not be the most prudent decision.

Instead, the club hierarchy should engage in careful negotiations with the academy starlet and propose a more balanced offer, closer to £120,000 per week.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .