Chelsea know Kobbie Mainoo transfer truth after Ruben Amorim's Man Utd decision

Kobbie Mainoo's future at Old Trafford hangs in the balance, after he expressed his desire to leave Manchester United during the summer transfer window in pursuit of more regular playing time. However, this move was thwarted by manager Ruben Amorim, due to a shortage of central midfield options.

So far this season, Amorim has favoured a midfield duo of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, although Manuel Ugarte was drafted into the team in place of the Brazilian for the 3-0 loss to Manchester City over the weekend.

Mainoo made a substitute appearance at the Etihad Stadium but is yet to start for United in the Premier League this season. The England international first made a name for himself under Erik ten Hag in the latter half of the 2023/24 season, but has struggled to secure a spot in the starting line-up under his successor.

The product of United's academy also turned down the club's offer of a new contract and Chelsea were linked with a move for the midfielder during the most recent January transfer window. He was also linked with a summer move away from the club, seeking a loan for more regular game time, but no deal materialised.

Once considered indispensable by United's current owners, Mainoo's status was revoked following the club's disappointing 2024/25 campaign. Prior to that season, Mainoo was valued at approximately €55million (£47.7million) according to Transfermarkt, via the Manchester Evening News.

However, having slipped down the pecking order at United, his value has already started to decline, currently standing at €50million (£43.3million).

Mainoo will be aware that he needs to make the most of his chances when given a starting berth, especially after failing to impress in the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town last month.

However, if his playing time doesn't increase, United are conscious that his market value will continue to dwindle as his contract nears its end.

Mainoo's current deal is set to expire in 2027, although United do have the option to extend it for an additional year.

Unless there's an improvement in his game time and the terms of the proposed contract, it seems unlikely that Mainoo will have a long-term future at Old Trafford.

With the club's ongoing tussle with PSR, Amorim will be aware that the club could face a significant decision in the January transfer window regarding Mainoo's future. The question is, do they cash in now or let his contract run down?

United's top brass have already demonstrated their ruthlessness this summer by offloading players like Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony, though only the latter two were permanent departures with the Blues pouncing to sign Garnacho.

If Mainoo were to leave the club, it would represent pure profit in terms of PSR. Given the scale of the club's transfer rebuild, if they decide to sell, they need to cash in sooner rather than later.

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