Manchester United have reportedly decided that they would prefer to sell midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to a club abroad should he choose to leave the Red Devils.
Ruben Amorim's side emerged as 4-1 winners against Real Sociedad on Thursday, winning their Europa League round of 16 tie 5-2 on aggregate against the La Liga team.
The Portuguese boss has endured a difficult time at Old Trafford, winning just five of 17 Premier League games in charge while losing on eight occasions.
Amorim has not been able to mould the squad in his own image, with wing-back Patrick Dorgu representing his only addition in the January transfer window, and he may have to operate a sell-to-buy policy in the summer in order to strengthen further.
Football Insider claim that United would be prepared to sell Mainoo to a club abroad in the upcoming window if they fail to agree a new contract.
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Could Mainoo fund a rebuild?
Mainoo's current deal is set to expire in June 2027, and should the 19-year-old reject any new proposals, selling him this summer would likely see the club earn significantly more than if they were to sell him with just a year remaining on his deal.
The Red Devils are reportedly under serious financial stress, with years of mismanagement seeing new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe implement a series of controversial cost-cutting measures.
Selling Mainoo could represent the best way for Ratcliffe to provide Amorim with funds in the summer window, and considering the team are currently 14th in the Premier League with just 34 points, the Portuguese boss will almost certainly need to make several signings.
Mainoo's sale would also be more valuable to the club as his status as a homegrown player means any deal would count as 'pure profit' and help the side to comply with the Premier League's financial rules more than selling someone like Antony would.
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Will United fans accept a sell-to-buy policy?
United winger Alejandro Garnacho has also been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, with the attacker classified as a homegrown player.
The forward is only 20 years old, and some fans are worried about the future of the club given young stars such as Garnacho and Mainoo have been linked with moves away.
United have spent heavily in previous transfer windows for other manager such as Erik ten Hag and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but the summer of 2025 might be the first season in recent memory that sees a more conservative approach from the Red Devils unless sales are made.
Amorim will be under pressure to improve the club's fortunes next season, and he is unlikely to be given much leeway considering his subpar tenure so far, but there is an argument that he could find the 2025-26 campaign even more challenging if he is not allowed to develop talents such as Mainoo.
Lewis Nolan
