Manchester United have two reasons not to rush into Kobbie Mainoo transfer - but there's a catch

The idea of clubs having to sell their homegrown stars to bank pure profit amid the Premier League's tightening Profit and Sustainability rules [PSR] sums up exactly what is wrong with modern football.

Clubs have been forced to cash in on stars they have matured and nurtured in recent years to remain within the PSR boundaries. Manchester United had to sell Scott McTominay last summer when former manager Erik ten Hag was against the idea.

McTominay was a player that often divided opinion among supporters, with some recognising his value to the squad and others glad to see the back of him.

Ahead of this summer's transfer window, you would be hard-pressed to find any United fan that wants to say farewell to Kobbie Mainoo.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News on Thursday, there is a genuine chance Mainoo could be sold by United this summer amid a lack of progress over a new contract. Talks have been ongoing over a new deal for the England international since last March but a breakthrough is yet to have been reached.

Mainoo is under contract at Old Trafford until June 2027, with the option of an additional year, meaning United could tie him down until 2028. Both United and head coach Ruben Amorim value Mainoo and it is understood the club firmly believes he has the capacity to reach the very top.

The 19-year-old excelled in his first season as a Premier League player last season after overcoming a pre-season injury that ruled him out until November, resulting in him securing a place in the England squad for the European Championship and helping them reach the final.

This season, however, his individual form has been impacted by United's collective struggles. He has struggled to impose himself on games, often appearing