Not much good was left behind by Erik ten Hag—far from being the only or the biggest problem, as time has shown—but he did leave behind two trophies in the club’s collection and a paved path for some players. One of the few bright spots of last season at Manchester United was Kobbie Mainoo, who got his chance in the first team, secured significant playing time, and became an England international.New debate: Sir Alex’s guilt for United’s demiseHe has been more or less a regular this season as well, though he has struggled with injuries (missing a good part of the matches in October and November, and being sidelined since mid-February). However, he remains in Ruben Amorim’s plans. When he is fit, he plays. His spot will be waiting for him when he returns to training, and soon, a new contract will be waiting for him at Old Trafford as well. Manchester United might not have rushed to open contract negotiations, as Kobbie Mainoo is already tied to the club until the summer of 2027. However, there are fears at the Theatre of Dreams about Chelsea’s interest.Manchester United fans are wearing black to mourn a dying clubThe London club is keen on signing the talented midfielder, with their sporting department estimating that 70–80 million could be enough to secure his transfer. However, Manchester United has made it clear that they have no intention of negotiating. The message is loud and clear: hands off Kobbie Mainoo. Old Trafford is ready to significantly increase his salary, putting him in the same bracket as other England internationals. Talks with his representatives have already begun, and according to the latest draft, he is set to earn around 180,000 pounds per week. That’s no small sum for a teenager… Initially, Manchester United was skeptical and reluctant to offer a high salary to a player only in his second serious season in senior football. But clearly, they had no other choice. The club will try to negotiate a lower salary and convince him to accept slightly reduced terms. However, if Chelsea applies pressure, United may have little room to maneuver.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – ROUND OF 16First legTuesday Club Brugge – Aston Villa 1-3 (1-1)/De Cuyper 12 – Bailey 3, Mechele 82 (og), Asensio 88 pen/Dortmund – Lille 1-1 (1-0)/Adeyemi 22 – Haraldsson 68/PSV – Arsenal 1-7 (1-3)/Lang 43 – Timber 18, Nwaneri 21, Merino 31, Odegaard 47, 73 Trossard 48, Calafiori/Real Madrid – Atl. Madrid 2-1 (1-1)/Rodrygo 4, Diaz 55 – Alvarez 32/Wednesday 20.45: (5.60) Feyenoord (3.70) Inter (1.65)23.00: (1.82) Bayern (3.60) Leverkusen (4.40)23.00: (3.80) Benfica (3.60) Barcelona (1.95)23.00: (2.45) PSG (3.45) Liverpool (2.80)***odds are subject to change***
