MANCHESTER CITY are tipped to launch a shock raid on neighbours United for Kobbie Mainoo – leaving Red Devils fans furious.
United supporters ranted “Fold the club if this happens” and “£200million or nothing” as City were linked with the midfielder, 18.
FourFourTwo claim Pep Guardiola’s Treble winners are keen on the starlet – one of the hottest prospects for years from the Old Trafford academy.
Mainoo had fans raving in pre-season with his mature displays and all-round class, before an ankle injury ruled him out until last month.
And as Erik ten Hag’s men flounder on all fronts this term, many supporters want the England Under-19 ace fast-tracked into the first team.
But it’s claimed City are contemplating an approach that would highlight the current gulf between the two clubs.
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Etihad chiefs have been focusing more on bringing through youngsters, whereas United appear close to disarray on and off the field ahead of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s planned £245m investment.
But it’s unclear if any bid from City for Mainoo would get off the ground.
Ten Hag rates him highly and United would surely be sensitive to selling such a gem to their closest and fiercest rivals.
United fans reacted to the speculation over Mainoo with a mixture of anger and scepticism.
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One posted: “If they’re gonna take Mainoo I want Foden and Haaland in return.”
Another wrote, “Why tf would he go there?”.
An an even more confident supporter said: “I don’t think United will ever sell, lmao.”
Some supporters pleaded for Mainoo to be “given a big run of games” as anchorman Casemiro now faces several weeks out with a hamstring injury.
And one fan called for a “£1billion release clause please” to kill off any interest from City.
But with United struggling in the Champions League and Prem, then thumped 3-0 by Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, another observer said of Mainoo: “If he has ambition he will leave.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
