Manchester United have reportedly held ‘fresh talks’ with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo regarding a new contract, but Mark Goldbridge is not happy with his supposed demands.
Mainoo, 19, has been in contract negotiations for some time, having broken into the Manchester United senior team under the tutelage of Erik ten Hag during the 2023/24 campaign.
However, his 2024/25 season has been severely interrupted by injuries, with the teenager currently sidelined after he sustained a muscle injury in early February.
Advert
Despite failing to provide a single goal or assist in 18 Premier League appearances this term, the 19-year-old’s talent is obvious, and he could develop into a world-class player if the environment around him is right – but whether this will happen at United remains to be seen.
Back in January, the Mail reported that Chelsea were “ready to make a move” for the player as he “cannot agree terms” with United over a new contract with his current deal set to run until the summer of 2027.
Mainoo is currently one of the lowest-paid players at the club, earning £20,000 per week, according to Capology.
On March 4, the Mail issued an update on the situation and explained that while “fresh talks” were ongoing between Mainoo and the club, his “representatives want a pay rise to £180,000-a-week plus bonuses which would bring him in line with his teammates”.
And given his potential, there is an argument that this would be a fair amount, but popular YouTuber and United fan Goldbridge - real name Brent Di Cesare - does not agree.
“180k a week for Mainoo lol,” Goldbridge wrote on X.
“If it's true, it's ridiculous.”
Fans on social media also had their say on Mainoo’s supposed demands.
One said: "There are worse players at double wages if you forget their past and only judge them in current form and their future prospect."
Another added: "Rather just sell him, he's athleticism and injuries worry me... never looks very fit always looks tired on the pitch. And the injuries are mounting up for such a young player."
While a third commented: "Same folks who are complaining that the wage is too much are the same ones who will be mad if he was sold."
Topics: Manchester United, Kobbie Mainoo, Chelsea, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League, Mark Goldbridge
Luke Davies