Man City plan SHOCK move for Man Utd wonderkid
Cameron Smith
- 3 Nov 2023 18:09 GMT
- 3 min read
Manchester City want to sign Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo as Pep Guardiola plans to raid his cross-city rivals for one of their most promising talents.
Mainoo, 18, signed a new long-term contract at Old Trafford in February, but that hasn’t deterred Man City, who are keen on bringing the midfielder to the Etihad Stadium.
Mainoo’s new deal at Man Utd does not expire until 2027 and there is also an option to extend the deal by a further 12 months too, putting the Red Devils in a strong negotiating position.
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However, Four Four Two have reported that City are chasing Mainoo as they look to provide Pep Guardiola with one of England’s brightest young midfield talents. But, it seems unlikely that Man Utd will allow the teenager to join their arch-rivals.
The 18-year-old was set for a starring role at Old Trafford this season, but he picked up an injury against Arsenal in pre-season and has not yet featured in 2023-24.
Mainoo has, however, travelled for Man Utd’s Premier League clash against Fulham and Saturday and could make his first appearances of the campaign.
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The talented midfielder is widely recognised as an elite talent, which is no doubt why Man City have begun chasing his signature.
Mainoo praise
While Man City are keen on signing Mainoo, the Man Utd wonderkid has received major praise from Red Devils legends and Erik ten Hag would be foolish to allow such a talent to leave the club.
Mainoo’s form in pre-season left Bryan Robson incredibly impressed. He told The Telegraph: “He’s calculated and he’s reading the game, doing things in his own time. He closes down really well, receives the ball and changes the pattern of the game, quickens it up when he wants to and he’s using his football brain. I’m quite impressed with him.
Former Man Utd defender Dennis Irwin is also a huge fan of the youngster. “He’s had a fantastic game, Kobbie. Brave, good on the ball.
“It’s not just the assist, the defensive work as well. He’s got confidence, he looks like a real top player. What I’ve seen from Mainoo, what the manager’s seen in training and matches, he must trust him,” Irwin told MUTV in pre-season.
