Tottenham express surprise interest in Manchester United midfielder; Chelsea also keen

Despite Mainoo’s desire to stay at Manchester United, the current lack of clarity has created genuine uncertainty. Last season, he battled injuries and started just 24 games across all competitions. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Mainoo is understandably seeking assurances of regular playing time.

However, with Ruben Amorim’s new midfield structure already featuring Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and new addition Manuel Ugarte, it remains to be seen where Mainoo fits in long-term. The club is also exploring additional central midfield reinforcements this summer, which has only intensified the rumours.

This combination of factors has caught the attention of Tottenham, who are now considering a move, and Chelsea, who have long admired Mainoo’s technical profile and homegrown status.

From a Manchester United perspective, this situation is teetering into dangerous territory. Kobbie Mainoo is not just another academy player, he’s one of the brightest young talents to emerge from Carrington in recent years. Letting him slip through the cracks due to prolonged contract talks would be nothing short of a strategic failure.

Tottenham’s interest should serve as a wake-up call. So should Chelsea’s. United cannot afford to let yet another young gem be poached by rivals, especially when he’s already shown glimpses of brilliance in midfield when fit.

Mainoo has the drive, intelligence, and ability to be a long-term asset for Amorim’s system. If there’s any hesitancy about his role, it must be resolved swiftly through a new contract, clear communication, and a defined path in the squad. If not, we risk seeing him line up against us next season in the colours of a direct rival. And that’s a scenario United simply can’t let happen.