While Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens grabbed the headlines in the win over Everton, the true foundation of Manchester United’s resurgence under Michael Carrick lies in the “modest” brilliance of Kobbie Mainoo.
However, behind the scenes at Old Trafford, a financial imbalance is growing that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS can no longer ignore. Mainoo is currently delivering world-class performances while earning what can only be described as “second-class” wages by Premier League standards.
The Contract Gap: Mainoo vs. The Squad
Mainoo’s current deal, worth a reported £25,000-a-week, makes him one of the lowest earners in the first-team squad despite being arguably the first name on Carrick’s team sheet.
| Player | Estimated Weekly Wage | Role in Squad |
| Casemiro | £350,000 | Veteran / Rotation |
| Bruno Fernandes | £300,000 | Captain / Starter |
| Kobbie Mainoo | £25,000 | Key Starter |
Why the Wait is Dangerous
The “Amorim era” saw Mainoo’s talents stifled, but under Carrick, the England midfielder has returned to his best providing calm amidst the chaos. With the 2026 World Cup in North America fast approaching, Ratcliffe is playing a dangerous game for three reasons:
- Market Value: If Mainoo stars for England this summer, his valuation and wage demands will skyrocket.
- External Interest: Elite European clubs are always circling young talents on “bargain” contracts.
- Dressing Room Harmony: Rewarding performance over reputation is key to the new INEOS culture.
The “Modest” Superstar
Unlike many of his teammates, Mainoo shuns the limelight. He famously drives a modest car and avoids the nightclub scene, preferring the simplicity of his game to translate off the pitch. But his “perpetual motion” in midfield is exactly what United would have to spend £100m+ to replace in the transfer market.
The Verdict: Investing in a new contract for Mainoo isn’t just a reward for the player; it’s a strategic move to protect United’s most valuable long-term asset. Ratcliffe needs to act before the flight to North America takes off.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
