Man Utd speak to Mainoo's agent after Chelsea interest gathers momentum

Manchester United have reignited contract talks with Kobbie Mainoo to lock down their prized academy star, amid swirling interest from rivals Chelsea.

The 19-year-old midfielder, sidelined since February 7, 2025, with a calf injury, still has over two years left on his current deal.

However, negotiations for an extension stalled late last year, fueling speculation that United might cash in on the homegrown talent to fund Ruben Amorim’s squad rebuild under Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Chelsea have emerged as a serious threat, reportedly eyeing Mainoo as a £70 million target. According to the Daily Mail, United’s hierarchy has now reopened discussions with Mainoo’s representatives, determined to tie him to Old Trafford long-term.

Amorim, speaking in January, underscored his faith in the youngster: “I really like our academy players—Kobbie’s improving, and I want him to stay.”

The manager’s stance reflects a broader intent to keep United’s best talents, despite the club’s precarious financial position.

Meanwhile, Express.co.uk reports that Chelsea could pivot from Mainoo to save their £70 million outlay, targeting Palmeiras’ 17-year-old sensation Estevao Willian instead.

Dubbed a future star, Estevao offers the Blues a cheaper, younger alternative, potentially easing their pursuit of United’s midfield gem. This comes as United also fielded interest in another academy product, Alejandro Garnacho, from Chelsea and Napoli in January—though no deal materialized.

Mainoo’s importance to United is clear, but Amorim has hinted at tough choices ahead: “We know the position this club is in—we’ll see.”

Selling homegrown players like Mainoo or Garnacho would provide pure profit, a tempting prospect for a team languishing in 14th in the Premier League. Yet, the renewed contract push signals United’s resolve to build around their young core rather than cash out.

For Chelsea, Estevao represents a Plan B, but their interest in Mainoo lingers as a test of United’s nerve. As talks progress, Mainoo’s future could shape both clubs’ trajectories—will he stay a Red Devil, or will Stamford Bridge swoop?