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Ineos stance, £60m transfer, unthinkable twist - Mainoo and Garnacho Man United future decided

Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
-Credit:Manchester United FC


Manchester United could, potentially, have to sell Academy graduates such as Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho to keep on complying with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules (PSRs).

Both players are key members of Ruben Amorim's first-team squad, but the club's battle to ensure they don't breach the financial regulations could see them cash-in. Mainoo is understood to be wanted by Chelsea while Garnacho won't be short of would-be suitors, either.

Mainoo, 19, is under contract until 2027, with the club having an option for a further year and Garnacho's current deal runs for another three years. However, they both represent "pure profit" if they were to be sold, which could significantly bolster their hopes of complying with the rules.

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Despite being seen as untouchable last summer - along with Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund - the homegrown talents could be made available in the near future. Since the reports emerged, the reaction within the fanbase has been nothing short of frustration.

So, with that in mind, our writers have had their say on the potential exits of Mainoo and Garnacho;

Josh Holland

United really need to get this right. The reason as to why they aren't giving Mainoo the contract he deserves is unknown, but he's one of Amorim's best midfielders - and will be a big part of Thomas Tuchel's reign at England.

At just 19, the potential is there for him to be a great midfielder. He's (reportedly) only earning £20,000-per-week and so he has every right to be unhappy with what has been offered to him. United have to comply with PSR, but the reason they are within any danger is down to the mistakes made in contract negotiations before.

United are known for having an Academy player in their matchday squad and Mainoo is one of the best ones to emerge in recent years. He has to stay - simply put. Garnacho's case is slightly different and if Amorim is the long-term vision of Ineos going forward, the Argentina international is likely to be sold.

After being left out by Amorim for off-the-field issues, Garnacho's situation at Old Trafford is different. When on form, he's brilliant and could easily be the winger in United's team for years to come. But there has been signs of displeasure and cashing in on him at a good price may be the best deal for all parties.

You'd expect some of Europe's biggest teams would like Garnacho. Barcelona? Real Madrid?

Isaac Seelochan

Mainoo should, simply, be unsellable for United, with their midfielder only likely to get better after a promising season last term. Yes, he's not had the same impact so far in 2024/25, but his performances against Manchester City, the second half as a substitute against Newcastle and the Liverpool draw demonstrated his talent.

Midfield has long been an issue for United but there's some promise now with both Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte looking like an exciting partnership for the future. Also, with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen facing an uncertain future at M16, the Reds will likely need to sign two new midfielders, so they cannot afford to lose Mainoo as well.

Garnacho is more dispensable, and his performances have been even more inconsistent than Mainoo's this season. But on his day, he's still able to produce moments of magic and is still developing at just 20-years-old.

United are in desperate need of a PSR boost to help them overhaul the majority of their underperforming squad. However, Mainoo and Garnacho should be part of the Reds' future - selling them in January or the summer would only set the club back further.

Jack Flintham

Losing Mainoo at any stage seems entirely unthinkable for the Reds. There's a school of thought which claims that the midfielder does not fit into the system that Amorim is looking to introduce.

However, for me, he has already shown enough to suggest he could play in that midfield pivot. Should he depart, it would be a major step back for United and Cole Palmer is living proof that getting a good sum of money up front is not the be all and end all.

Garnacho is a different kettle of fish, though, because he's not shown as many green shoots of hope as Mainoo has managed. He holds that lucrative value of being a player who could benefit another club but perhaps does not hold the right style of play to benefit the new leader in the dugout.

You do wonder if the Argentine could come good for United and - with a bit more time on the training ground - could play one of those No.10 roles currently occupied by Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes. I don't think there is any harm in waiting a year to see if Garnacho can come good and then look to sell him in 2026 if it is clear that he cannot adapt.

That being said, a major bid could be enough to change minds.

Kieran King

As above, United simply cannot afford to lose Mainoo. The 19-year-old has the potential to become a world class superstar and a legend at United in the future, he is that good. If he isn't already one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, Mainoo can certainly fit that bill in years to come.

Therefore, it's imperative that United tie Mainoo down to a longer term contract - and handing him the wages he deserves. Yes, the reported £200,000-per-week demand is a lot for a teenager, but if you compare that to how much Casemiro (£350,000), Mason Mount (£250,000) and Antony (£200,000) are earning, I'm not surprised why he would like to be pocketing that much - he is more important to the team than they are.

As for Garnacho, his situation is different. Last season, the Argentine was as crucial, if not more, to United's future but the wide-man has dropped down the pecking order under Amorim. He now doesn't feel as pivotal to his plans as Mainoo and could leave the club.

For me, if United receive a bid worth £60million or more, then I would consider selling Garnacho. That might seem crazy to suggest, but that money would no doubt help United's PSR position enormously, plus it's not like Garnacho is impacting United on the pitch much right now anyway, despite his assist against Liverpool.

Kieran Horn

Although United do not appear to think it, Mainoo is simply untouchable. It is highly unlikely that selling him is a genuine solution for United regardless of their perilous financial position. In short, find an alternative way to fix it.

The future of 20-year-old Garnacho on the other hand, is up for debate since he has struggled for consistency in recent months while also appearing to not be at the forefront of Amorim's thoughts.

From his first few months in charge, there is no obvious space for him given the fact captain Fernandes and Amad are clearly first-choice for the two No.10 roles. As such, United may be better off selling him soon, while his stock is still relatively high, before it becomes clear to potential clubs interested that he is unwanted at Old Trafford.

Given his age and catalogue of goals already in his career, he will certainly not be short of suitors and the ongoing Marcus Rashford saga could serve as a clear warning to part ways with Garnacho before it's again too late.