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Kobbie Mainoo is set for face-to-face talks with Ruben Amorim to discuss his future at Old Trafford, just hours before Manchester United face Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup, according to Fabrizio Romano.
An exit which would shock the fanbase
Rumours have been swirling over the last 48 hours that Mainoo could leave United before the deadline on September 1 in a shocking twist.
Amorim has been ruthless in culling players from his squad since arriving from Sporting CP in November who he considers to be below the required standard of a club like United.
But each star who has been shown the exit door, or is in the process of being so, is an understandable decision which the Red Devil fanbase can get behind, be it Marcus Rashford, Antony or Alejandro Garnacho.
However, if Mainoo – an academy graduate from the local area who embodies an integral identity of the club with sky-high potential – was to be sold, there would be anger and disbelief in equal measure.
United are reported to be open to offers for Mainoo at around the £45 million mark before the summer window shuts – a staggering drop from the £70m price mooted in January when the club were reluctantly considering his sale due to PSR worries.
Now, the primary concern appear to relate to where he fits in Amorim’s system, with the 20-year-old feeling an uncomfortable fit in the midfield pivot or as a number ten in the 3-4-2-1 set-up.
Similarly, contract talks have stalled with Mainoo as he has demanded a dramatic pay rise on his current £20,000-a-week salary, at a time when INEOS are attempting to downsize the club’s wage bill, not increase it.
This has led United to maintain an open mind to Mainoo’s exit throughout the summer, despite Amorim insisting he has “big plans” for the England international.
But it was Amorim’s decision to leave Mainoo on the bench for the opening fixtures – at home to Arsenal and away to Fulham, despite United chasing a goal in both games – which has sparked suggestions the midfielder is considering his options.
An Emergency Meeting
Speaking at around 3pm today, Romano reveals an emergency meeting will take place “in the next few hours” to “discuss the future of Kobbie Mainoo” on his YouTube channel.
It will be attended by the player and his representatives, the club’s executive branch, and, crucially, Amorim himself, despite the fact that United are set to play in the Carabao Cup at 8pm this evening – a match Mainoo is predicted to start in.
It constitutes an almost extraordinary step for a club to hold a meeting with all relevant parties on the day of a match, but it speaks to the speed at which this story has gained traction that such a measure has been taken.
Romano confirms there is considerable interest in Mainoo but there are “no active talks” taking place with other clubs over an exit.
The fact that United are holding emergency talks with the academy starlet suggests they wish to keep it that way – a development which should bring a sense of relief for the fanbase.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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