Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic has insisted that rumours suggesting that Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is demanding a new deal worth up to £200k-a-week are simply not true.
Mainoo has around two and a half years remaining on his current contract but United are believed to be keen on trying him down to fresh terms.
Since his emergence last season, Mainoo has quickly cemented his status as one of the club’s most important players. He was a key part of Erik ten Hag’s set-up and was slowly working his way into Ruben Amorim’s plans before he suffered an injury that has kept him sidelined since mid-February.
There have been suggestions that negotiations between United and Mainoo’s camp over a new deal have not been entirely smooth, with both parties still far apart on wages.
A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Mainoo wants a £200k-a-week to sign on the dotted line. He currently earns £20k-a-week, a sum he reasonably believes doesn’t reflect his status in the squad.
Another report claimed that the England international is eyeing £180k-a-week, which United still consider excessive, especially with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS looking to bring down the wage bill.
The Guardian claimed that Mainoo is inclined to reject any offers from United and move abroad in the summer. Unsurprisingly, the uncertainty surrounding his situation has led to interest in Mainoo’s services. He has been linked to a number of clubs including Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
However, the reliable Whitwell has now set the record straight, rubbishing rumours that Mainoo is demanding up to £200k-a-week to extend his stay at Old Trafford.
Speaking on Stretford Paddock, Whitwell explained, “When I asked about that, I got a very strong rebuttal to say that is not true.”
“It’s one source but I would trust this person and so I think adjust your perspective on that, I would say.”
Whitwell continued, “From my experience of Kobbie Mainoo, I would be surprised if he’s kind of you know, I know it’s not him but, going in there with a kind determination and a set amount of money like ‘You have to pay me this.’”
“I think it’s clearly going to be a conversation around well this, ‘I’ve done this for the club and should that then be recompensed in my salary?’”
“Christian Eriksen is leaving the club this summer and I think he’s on a pretty decent wage because he joined on a free. So, that’s going to free up some money. You could maybe see them saying, ‘Ok well, if he’s [Eriksen] departing should some of that [his wages] not come to a player that is going to be playing week in week out?’”
“Ultimately, Ruben Amorim’s view would come into this as well. How much is he going to be playing him? Does he definitely fit what he wants from a player?”
“I think he’s changed or is changing his mind on Alejandro Garnacho. He’s certainly speaking about him positively more recently. We’ve not had that opportunity with Mainoo because he’s been injured.”
Whitwell added, “But it was interesting that Sir Jim Ratcliffe said ‘We will not sell any young players based on financial needs.’”
“But I think the caveat to this is it doesn’t rule out potentially selling young players as a club if they think that that’s the best thing from a sporting point of view.”
🚨🗣️ “When I asked about that, I got a very strong rebuttal to say that is not true…”@lauriewhitwell gives the latest on Kobbie Mainoo’s contract demands and situation 🫰#MUFC pic.twitter.com/Brgdfoc3Ws
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) March 21, 2025
United are back in action on April 1 when they go away to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest. Hopefully, Mainoo is back in time for that crucial meeting.
Feature image Glyn Kirk via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
