Man City considering shock move to sign 20-year-old Man United star | OneFootball

Man City Enter Race for Man Utd Starlet Mainoo in £70m Transfer Twist

Manchester United may soon face an uncomfortable test of resolve, as TeamTalk report that Manchester City have joined Chelsea and Newcastle United in monitoring 20-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.

Photo IMAGO

City’s Shock Interest Raises Stakes

The report claims that Pep Guardiola personally admires Mainoo’s qualities. “TEAMtalk understands that Pep Guardiola, widely regarded as one of the game’s finest tacticians, views Mainoo as one of England’s brightest prospects.”

Photo IMAGO

Transfers between Manchester’s two clubs are rare, but Guardiola’s track record of developing technical, press-resistant midfielders means this potential pursuit cannot be ignored. Mainoo’s ability to dictate tempo and slot into high-pressing systems is precisely the type of profile City value.

Lack of Game Time Creating Frustration

Mainoo has yet to start a Premier League fixture this season under Ruben Amorim, a situation that has left him frustrated. “Mainoo was keen to leave on loan before the summer window closed, something the Man Utd hierarchy were unwilling to sanction.”

Photo IMAGO

This has opened the door for rivals to test United’s stance. Newcastle are particularly keen, with Eddie Howe known to be an admirer of the midfielder’s composure and technical ability. Chelsea also fit the picture given their commitment to acquiring elite young talent.

Transfer Battle Looming

Though no official asking price has been set, Mainoo is valued at around £70 million, reflecting both his potential and scarcity value. United know they have one of the most talented academy products in years, but their refusal to give him consistent minutes could push the player towards the exit.

Future in the Balance

As the January window approaches, United’s handling of Mainoo will be closely scrutinised. A departure to a Premier League rival, particularly to Manchester City, would be difficult for supporters to stomach and would fuel debates about squad planning at Old Trafford.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Mainoo represents everything supporters want from their club’s academy: technical quality, composure, and a connection to United’s tradition of bringing through young talent. The idea of losing him, especially to Manchester City, would be a nightmare for United Fans.

The frustration over his lack of game time feels justified. If the club truly see him as a cornerstone of the future midfield, he needs to be starting matches, not warming the bench or playing cameos. Amorim’s reluctance to trust him in the league has raised eyebrows and may undermine confidence in the manager’s long-term vision.

A transfer to City would be more than a simple sale, it would be a symbolic blow. Watching Guardiola mould Mainoo into a world-class operator while United struggle to build consistency would be another painful reminder of how far the gap has grown between the two Manchester clubs.

United must act decisively. Either integrate him fully into the first team or risk losing him to a rival. For a fanbase craving progress, dithering here would send the wrong message about the direction of the club.