Kobbie Mainoo is producing first-class performances on second-class footballing wages – and Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has to address the imbalance.

14:00, 24 Feb 2026

Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens stole the headlines from Manchester United’s crucial win at Everton. Which is just how Kobbie Mainoo would want it. Hogging the limelight is not something the England and United midfielder has an interest in.

Having the misfortune of being managed by Ruben Amorim in a previous life might have something to do with this, considering how the Portuguese stuck him in a box for the first half of this season. But long before Amorim had arrived at Old Trafford, Mainoo had become living proof of how success doesn’t have to change someone like him.

Modest could be Mainoo’s middle name. Mainoo takes a modest approach to stardom and the ups and downs of a career, earns a modest footballing wage and even drives a modest car. One he refuses to park amongst the fleet of flash vehicles all his teammates own, choosing instead to leave it at the front of the training ground car park instead.

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Mainoo would rather go to Nando’s than nightclubs – and drinks water instead of champagne. But the corks should be popping inside the head of United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Waking him up to the realisation that thanks to interim manager Michael Carrick, the club has a wonderful footballer back in the fold.

One deserving of a new and improved contract, which reflects his importance to the future of the team. Sesko scored the winning goal at Everton and Lammens was unflappable at the opposite end, to make it five wins from six games since Carrick arrived back at Old Trafford like some sort of knight in shining armour.

But the foundations of the win were laid by Mainoo. Mainoo provided the calm to all the chaos, with an unflappable performance of simplicity and perpetual motion. He made sure United remained in control. He did the simple things well. He made sure United didn’t count the cost of Bruno Fernandes having a rare off night.

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But Mainoo continues to produce first-class performances, while earning second-class wages. By Premier League football’s standards, anyway.

His current deal of £25,000-a-week might be saving Ratcliffe a fortune, which is something the billionaire will no doubt appreciate. But Ratcliffe should also value the long-term rewards from investing in Mainoo. He will discover how much a top-class midfielder costs this summer, when United look to strengthen in this department.

In the meantime, he should be rewarding one which is right under his nose. And if Ratcliffe has any sense, he will do so before the World Cup.

Because if Mainoo goes to North America with England and impresses, his stock will never have been higher.

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