Manchester United icon Paul Scholes explains why he believes INEOS could decide to cash in on Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.
The English midfielder and the Argentine winger were widely considered among the most promising youngsters in the sport during Erik ten Hag’s time at Carrington. Their aura meant they were deemed ‘unsellable’, at least for the fanbase who grew incredibly fond of the duo, especially following their heroics in the FA Cup final last season.
However, the transition hasn’t been kind to either player following the Dutchman manager’s departure and the subsequent arrival of Ruben Amorim.
Moreover, the management has been struggling to tie down the two youngsters to new deals, with the negotiations going at a painfully slow pace, thus leaving their futures up in the air.
Hence, despite Sir Jim Ractliffe’s promise of keeping Garnacho and Mainoo at the club, Scholes is genuinely concerned about losing the services of both players for financial reasons.
“It has to be a major concern. Where’s the money coming from for new signings? We saw those interviews with Sir Jim and they didn’t make good reading,” said the iconic midfielder during his appearance on Premier League Productions (via Manchester Evening News).
“It doesn’t look like Ruben Amorim will get a war chest to go to war with. It doesn’t feel like that. I get the impression, and I could be wrong, but I think they might sell the two young players. I think they might sell Mainoo and Garnacho.”
Paul Scholes hopes Man Utd doesn’t sell Garnacho & Mainoo
Nevertheless, Scholes insists this would be a decision he’d personally lament, especially if the club ends up sacrificing Mainoo who joined Man Utd as a mere child.
“Maybe they sell them this summer. The Mainoo one would hurt. They both would. Garnacho came later but Mainoo has been at the club since he was a kid.
“He had a brilliant season last year and it makes the academy system look bad if a player like him can’t make it and they have to sell him. I hope I’m wrong, I hope they don’t do that, but the noises I hear, it is a big concern.”
Garnacho has been heavily linked with a move to Napoli since January, while Mainoo is reportedly wanted at Chelsea.
