Man Utd 'unlikely' to sell Mainoo to balance books for one reason says finance expert

Manchester United have been told why selling Kobbie Mainoo could be an issue if they need to boost their PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) position.

The 19-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with an exit from Old Trafford this summer amid claims he is set to reject a new contract from his boyhood club.

Reports from The Guardian earlier this month claimed that Mainoo was eyeing a move abroad rather than staying in the Premier League.

Chelsea have been credited with an interest in the England international but it seems United would prefer to sell Mainoo to a foreign club if they had the choice. United value their academy graduate at around £70m - although GiveMeSport suggests his valuation is closer to £50m.

However, former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson believes United would rather keep Mainoo than cash in on him this summer if they have PSR concerns.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “Really what you end up doing is taking an immediate profit but then spreading the cost over the next five years, so I don’t think the Mainoo sale will be driven by PSR.

“I think if they were going to sell Mainoo, it would be a strategic decision based on Amorim not seeing him as part of the future or if there was a falling out between the club and the player over the contract dispute - which seems to be rumbling away at the moment.

“I would be amazed if they sold Mainoo purely for PSR purposes because they’ll end up having to replace him and it ends up costing them more in the long run.”

Mainoo missed the start of the season with a hamstring injury and has struggled for form and fitness since his return, playing just nine times in the Premier League under new boss Ruben Amorim. Despite his setbacks, Mainoo is regarded as one of United’s brightest academy prospects in years having starred for club and country last season.

He currently has just over two years left on his deal at Old Trafford, with United holding an option to extend his stay by a further 12 months. Mainoo reportedly earns £20,000 per week but his camp are said to be seeking a deal worth around £150,000 per week amid his growing reputation."