Manchester United’s turbulent rebuild under INEOS is beginning to take shape behind the scenes as preparations for the 2025/26 season intensify.
New manager Ruben Amorim has been clear about the tactical overhaul he intends to implement, and that means tough decisions regarding key personnel.
With United’s financial approach undergoing a strict reset, several players are being reassessed not just for their performance but for their wage demands.
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INEOS are determined to stamp their authority with a restructured wage system, aiming to reward output rather than reputation moving forward.
And one of United’s brightest academy products may soon pay the price for a policy shift that is ruffling feathers behind closed doors.
Kobbie Mainoo’s Old Trafford future is in serious doubt after contract talks between the 20-year-old midfielder and the club hit a frustrating stalemate.
Despite being one of the lowest earners in the squad at around £20,000 a week, Mainoo’s demands have been met with resistance from United’s new hierarchy, who are unwilling to shatter their evolving pay structure to meet the youngster’s expectations.
The club is determined to bring long-term sustainability, even if it means parting ways with players they’ve nurtured through the academy.
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Negotiations have stalled in recent weeks, and United have now reportedly slapped a £70 million price tag on the England international, whose current deal runs until 2027, as per the Manchester Evening News.
That figure may deter most suitors, but some Premier League clubs—reportedly including Chelsea—have the financial means to explore a deal.
Kobbie Mainoo enjoyed a meteoric rise under Erik ten Hag in the 2023/24 campaign, but his progress took a sharp turn following the appointment of Amorim, whose 3-4-2-1 system has yet to unlock the youngster’s full potential.
With his role in the new setup unclear, Mainoo’s development has stalled, raising concerns within the club about keeping a potentially unhappy player on their books.
Selling Kobbie Mainoo this summer could be United’s best chance to cash in while his value remains high, but letting go of a homegrown talent would sting for fans already disillusioned with the club’s direction.
Another academy star could now follow the path out of Carrington unless a dramatic U-turn happens soon.
