Chelsea in prime position to poach underpaid youngster with uncertain Man Utd future | OneFootball

If Koobie Mainoo were to leave Manchester United, Chelsea would be his most likely destination, reckons British journalist.

Since making the jump from the youth ranks to the first team, the 19-year-old immediately cemented himself as a regular starter at Erik ten Hag’s court, despite his tender age.

With Ruben Amorim taking over in November, Mainoo was initially relegated to the bench in favour of more experienced players. After watching Casemiro and Christian Eriksen getting overrun in the middle of the park by their Newcastle counterparts, the Portuguese tactician quickly resorted to Mainoo to steady the ship, and has apparently learned his lesson based on his selections against Liverpool.

Nevertheless, the England international’s future remains uncertain at Old Trafford, despite a contract running until June 2027 with an option for another year. After all the Stockport native remains one of the lowest earners on the wage bill, collecting £20,000 per week for his efforts, which is only a fraction of the hefty salaries earned by several Man Utd teammates.

Chelsea on pole position in hypothetical Kobbie Mainoo race

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

In recent weeks, it has been claimed that INEOS are struggling in their attempts to extend the contracts of Mainoo and fellow United youngster Alejandro Garnacho, which could leave their long-time futures hanging in the air. There have also been some surprisingly alarming reports regarding Mainoo in the last 24 hours or so.

Moreover, the Daily Mail journalist Chris Wheeler has now revealed that Chelsea would be the one leading the race in case Mainoo were to be available on the market.

While talks of the teenager’s departure might seem hypothetical at the moment, the growing number of circulating reports could well become a source of concern for the Red Devils faithful.

Mainoo has made 17 appearances for Man Utd across all competitions this season, and has yet to directly contribute in a goal.