Kobbie Mainoo has been labeled as “not athletic enough” amid ongoing contract negotiations between Manchester United and the academy product.
When Sir Jim Ratcliffe joined the club in February 2024, Mainoo was initially considered a valuable asset. However, it is now believed that the club is open to offers around £70 million for the midfielder, who has been engaged in discussions regarding a new contract at Old Trafford.
Currently, the England international earns £20,000 per week, but he seeks compensation more in line with the club’s highest earners. Initial reports indicated that he was aiming for £180,000 per week, while more recent information suggests he is now looking for approximately £150,000 to continue his tenure at Old Trafford.
However, Ratcliffe has implemented a new contract strategy that emphasizes substantial bonuses rather than large upfront salaries, making it unlikely that Mainoo will receive a wage close to his expectations.
Former United midfielder Lee Sharpe acknowledges “both sides” of the situation, supporting Ratcliffe’s shift towards a performance-based pay structure, while also expressing the view that Mainoo may not possess the athleticism required to justify such a salary increase.
“I think there’s an argument for both sides,” Sharpe told BetBrain. “I don’t think Kobbie Mainoo is athletic enough to get around the pitch. I think he’d be great as a number ten; he’s great on the ball in tight areas, can score a goal, see a pass, and can beat people one-on-one.
“But for a reported £180,000 a week – Manchester United have already had their fingers burnt by players that are on high wagers but are injured or aren’t in the team. I can understand his position, and why he’s valuing himself at that figure. But I would be offering bonuses and incentives rather than a flat £180,000-a-week wage, such as a goalscoring or appearance bonus.
“I think he’d be very lucky to get that amount of money per week, with his age and the number of games he’s played for the club.”
Sharpe also believes his old side should consider signing Crystal Palace striker Jean Philippe Mateta to try and help Rasmus Hojlund’s development.
“Jean Philippe Mateta would be a great buy for Manchester United,” he added. “He’d give some respite to Rasmus Hojlund and would be someone to learn and play off for him. He’s physical and he’s a nightmare for defenders to play against, so I definitely think he’d be a positive addition.
“Manchester United are at least three years away from even looking at the Premier League title. With the players Ruben Amorim has available and the style of football he wants to play, I think Jean Philippe Mateta would be an ideal signing. He’s someone that can hold the ball up, knows where the goal is and can bring other players into play.
“United are sat in the bottom third of the table; they need to work themselves up the table before they can start looking at strikers of that ilk. They need to make the club an appealing prospect for players around Europe in order to attract top talent to the club.”
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