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English international makes sensational Manchester United U-turn amid £70million asking price

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Pranav Nair | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 8:48 AM ET

Kobbie Mainoo looks set to stay put at Manchester United this summer

Kobbie Mainoo’s name has been at the heart of Manchester United’s summer transfer whispers, with expectations high that the 20-year-old would depart Old Trafford in pursuit of both game time and new challenges. However, in a surprising turn, the young midfielder now appears increasingly likely to remain with the club.

According to Mick Brown, former Red Devils’ chief scout and a respected figure who still has strong ties to the club, Mainoo may yet become a central figure in Ruben Amorim’s evolving side. Brown, speaking to Football Insider, noted that although the club was initially open to offers in the £70 million range, no suitor has been willing to meet that valuation so far.

Earlier this year, Mainoo’s refusal to sign a contract extension added fuel to speculation, particularly as Chelsea were believed to be circling. But with interest cooling and a lack of firm offers materialising, United now seem prepared to retain the midfielder as part of their squad rebuild.

United’s need to retain talent

United’s approach to their academy graduates has drawn criticism from former insiders like Brown, who has long advocated for the club to protect and nurture its homegrown talents. In his words: “If it was down to me, I would be doing everything possible to keep the academy graduates at the club, because that is what Man United has been built on.”

Despite his warning, United’s leadership had reportedly planned to cash in on players like Mainoo in order to ease their financial burdens. Brown himself had admitted that while he disagreed with the direction, the club’s strategy was clear to sell players who could command significant transfer fees.

However, the financial expectations surrounding Mainoo may have unintentionally worked in United’s favour. Clubs have shied away from the hefty £70 million tag, and as a result, the young midfielder could now be offered a real opportunity to break into Amorim’s first team.

A wake-up call for Man United’s youth policy

Kobbie Mainoo staying at Manchester United could be one of the best things to happen this summer, not just for the player, but for the club’s identity. For years, United prided themselves on developing and promoting academy talent. But recent seasons have shown a drift toward profit-driven decisions, often at the expense of their own youth.

Mainoo’s situation reflects the conflict between business and tradition. He is an immensely gifted player, one that any elite club would be lucky to have in their ranks. That no club has yet met the asking price is a blessing in disguise. It gives United a second chance to do the right thing, invest in their own.

If Amorim can give him a role and allow him to grow, Mainoo might just repay the faith tenfold. For all the glamour of new signings, sometimes the answer has been right there in red all along.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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