Kobbie Mainoo: Man Utd's transfer stance revealed amid Man City rumours
Suraj Radia
- 4 Nov 2023 11:52 GMT
- 4 min read
Manchester United are said to be ‘relaxed’ despite the prospect of losing wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo to rivals Manchester City, who have reignited their long-standing interest in the youngster.
Mainoo is deemed as one of United’s biggest young talents and has been touted to make his first appearance of the campaign this weekend against Fulham, having been named on the bench after being sidelined with injury since pre-season.
The 18-year-old still has four years to run on his contract at Old Trafford but it hasn’t prevented City from making their interest known for a player who turned them down aged nine to join United’s academy.
READ MORE: Manchester City eyeing United youngster
According to the Manchester Evening News, Mainoo went to City’s academy as a child before moving to United and his former side have tried on multiple occasions to bring him back, however they have been turned down every time.
Mainoo is said to be happy at United after being told in pre-season that he would form part of Erik ten Hag’s first team squad this year instead of being loaned out.
The midfielder has only made three senior appearances for United, the first of which came in January in the EFL Cup win over Charlton and he made his Premier League debut a few weeks later against Leicester.
Mainoo set for run in first team
Mainoo could end up making an instant impact after returning from his ankle problem, with Casemiro having been the latest player to be ruled out with injury for up to six weeks.
Speaking prior to the Manchester derby, Ten Hag praised Mainoo and insisted he could contribute to the team despite his tender age.
“Still a way to go, but he's ready for a part of the game,” Ten Hag said. “That's good news because he's a midfielder player and we can use his capabilities, his physicality, his taking of the ball and he's brave.”
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🔴 Anthony Elanga: "Kobbie Mainoo will be the next star. He is one of my close guys that I still speak to at Man United".
"I believe he is next the top one, his talent is unreal", says via Mail Sport. pic.twitter.com/RKHp1xL7dH— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 3, 2023
Mainoo impressed in pre-season and had been expected to be a regular part of Ten Hag’s side prior to his injury but, having made his return to the matchday squad, the teenager will now look to truly make his mark on United’s first team.
