Mainoo 'snubs' new Man Utd contract offer as rivals wait to pounce

Kobbie Mainoo was unhappy with the contract offer by Manchester United leading to the club to change its stance on his future.

The 19-year-old, who already has a long-term deal with United until 2027, plus a one-year extension option, was rewarded with his current contract following his first-team breakthrough two years ago.

However, the club is now negotiating an improved deal amid interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea, who are said to be monitoring the situation closely.

While United are keen to keep the talented England international, reports suggest the club will now entertain serious offers for Mainoo.

This marks a significant shift from their stance earlier this year, when Mainoo, alongside Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund, was considered "untouchable."

United's priorities have shifted, with summer signing Leny Yoro (£52 million) and rising star Amad now viewed as more integral to the club's future than Mainoo, Garnacho, and Højlund.

The trio has faced challenging campaigns so far, and the change in status leaves Mainoo open to potential bids.

Despite not actively seeking to sell Mainoo, financial constraints and the need for January transfer funds have put United in a difficult position.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Mainoo’s camp was disappointed with the club’s initial offer, and failure to reach an agreement could see the midfielder end his decade-long stay at the club.

Reports suggest that Mainoo is seeking wages of £200,000 per week, a tenfold increase from his current salary.

United’s financial situation, exacerbated by years of overspending, places them at risk of breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Adding to the pressure, new manager Ruben Amorim – who cost United £21 million to hire after paying off sacked boss Erik ten Hag – faces a restricted January transfer window.

Amorim recently acknowledged the club’s financial challenges, stating: "When the window is open, we can try to do something and we will try to do something.

"But I think, in the next weeks, we are going to have more time to train and we can improve, that's the only way. We had a lot of games without training; now we will have more space to grow."

With Chelsea ready to pounce if talks break down, United must act quickly to resolve Mainoo’s contract situation.

Losing the promising midfielder, who has been at the club for over a decade, would be a significant blow, especially given the current turmoil at Old Trafford.

Whether United can meet Mainoo’s demands or risk losing him to a Premier League rival remains to be seen as the January window approaches.