I swapped Man Utd for Chelsea like Kobbie Mainoo could – I made a huge mistake
Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron's ill-fated move to Chelsea serves as a cautionary tale for current Red Devils starlet Kobbie Mainoo.
The United academy product, whose contract runs until 2027, is in discussions with the club over a new deal that would significantly boost his current £20,000-per-week salary to reflect his increased importance to the team. Reports claim that the 19-year-old's representatives are pushing for a £200,000-a-week contract, which would put him among United's top five earners.
Talk of him quadrupling his wages at the end of last season came to nothing and a stalemate has now emerged in negotiations over fresh terms. And the youngster’s uncertain future has reportedly piqued the interest of Premier League rivals Chelsea.
READ MORE: Kobbie Mainoo stance on his Manchester United future revealed amid growing PSR concerns
READ MORE: Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim speaks out on Kobbie Mainoo's future
According to The Daily Mail, Mainoo knows he could secure a contract reflecting his talent at other clubs and is also concerned about United's current 13th place league position. But despite the allure of fourth-placed Chelsea, former Premier League champion Veron still regrets making the same transfer move two decades ago.
The Argentine legend joined United in a £28m deal from Lazio in 2001. While he didn't reach the expected heights at Old Trafford, Veron remains more frustrated about leaving the Red Devils to sign for Chelsea.
He told FourFourTwo in 2021: "I signed for United because I had a passport issue in Italy and thought a change of scenery would be good for my mind. Truth be told, I had a pessimistic view about playing in England, as I imagined that life