Manchester City are looking to snare Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, in a huge move across the city
(Image credit: Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Manchester City want Manchester United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo to make a cross-city switch from Old Trafford to the Etihad, showing the stark gulf between the two sides.
The Treble-winning Citizens defeated their locals 3-0 away from home last Sunday, with Pep Guardiola's side barely stepping out of second gear for much of the match, showing the contrast between where both clubs currently are. Manchester City are now nine points ahead of Manchester United.
The midfielder was set for a role in Ten Hag's squad at the start of the campaign after featuring in pre-season for the Red Devils, before picking up an injury against Arsenal in the United States.
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The early signs of Mainoo as a player are that he is one of the finest players in recent seasons out of United's famed academy, about to dictate the second phase of play. Losing him to City would be a huge loss – though luckily he does have a long-term contract.
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It's unclear how much City would have to pay to bring the starlet to the Etihad – or whether United would even entertain an offer – but with City's commitment to developing future stars and United's financial restrictions right now, the deal would be a fascinating one in the history of the two clubs, should it come to fruition.
Kobbie Mainoo is apparently wanted by Manchester City (Image credit: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
The last player to play for both Manchester clubs was Jadon Sancho, who left City's academy and signed for Manchester United via a hugely successful stint at Borussia Dortmund.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
