Report: Manchester United want £100m for midfielder with ‘fantastic personality’ | OneFootball

Manchester United have placed a huge price tag on Kobbie Mainoo amid interest from Chelsea.

That is according to The Independent journalist Miguel Delaney in his Reading the Game newsletter on Friday.

Delaney has written in the email, which was sent at 12:03 pm, that United want close to £100 million in transfer fees for Mainoo.

Chelsea are keen on a deal for the 19-year-old England international midfielder, who, according to former Arsenal and Blues star Cesc Fabregas in The Mirror in April 2024 has “a fantastic personality”.

Delaney wrote: “Chelsea do indeed have interest in Kobbie Mainoo, but his preference is naturally to stay at Manchester United. It would take a huge fee, close to £100m, to test that.”

Manchester United should keep Kobbie Mainoo

While some would say that it is unlikely that any club would pay £100 million for Mainoo in the January transfer window, with Chelsea, you just never know.

The former Premier League and UEFA Champions League winners have spent big on players, and while the Blues may not be keen on splashing the cash in the middle of the season, they could be tempted to make a move in the summer of 2025.

United, who could lose Alejandro Garnacho at the end of the season, have to make sure that they keep hold of Mainoo. After all, he is only 19 now and has come through the Red Devils’ youth system.

It would not send a good message to the United fans if the club hierarchy decided to cash in on Mainoo, even if that be for £100 million.

Mainoo is just starting his career, and his performances and level of maturity suggest that he could eventually become a player worth £100 million.

The midfielder has made 39 appearances in the Premier League so far in his career. Mainoo has scored three goals and given one assist in those games.