INEOS struck gold on Man Utd star who’s worth more than Mainoo & Anderson

It was a run that deserved so much more. Kobbie Mainoo, bursting forward from deep, simply glided up the Old Trafford turf in the early stages on Monday night, picking out Manchester United colleague Amad following some delightful footwork inside the area.

Unfortunately, the Ivorian could not convert the opening, but alas, that moment of magic provided yet another indication of the great strides – quite literally – Mainoo has made under the Michael Carrick regime.

Just a matter of months ago, the 21-year-old looked destined to depart on loan, having also been tipped for a permanent exit last summer following his limited role during Ruben Amorim’s turbulent 14-month tenure.

Now, Mainoo is front and centre again, with a string of starts resulting in a richly deserved new deal this week, keeping the Englishman on board until 2031.

It now appears a case that United will seek to find the perfect partner rather than replacement for the Stockport native this summer, with Three Lions teammate Elliot Anderson among those in the reckoning.

How Mainoo & Anderson compare this season

A move to rivals Manchester City appears the most likely outcome with regard to Anderson’s much-discussed future, although United and INEOS still remain in the mix for arguably the Premier League’s hottest young midfield talent.

Set to be the partner to Declan Rice at this summer’s World Cup, provided Mainoo doesn’t make a late charge, Anderson has been a real breakout star of 2025/26, having initially moved to Nottingham Forest back in 2024.

Indeed, the 23-year-old has started all 34 league games for Forest this season, racking up five goals and assists while creating six ‘big chances’.

He’s no slouch on the ball, as his 1.4 key passes per game indicates, although the ex-Newcastle United man is such an asset out of possession too, averaging 3.9 tackles and interceptions, alongside 8.3 ball recoveries.

Mainoo, for comparison, has started just 12 games by contrast, all of which have come under Carrick, registering two assists, creating one ‘big chance’, while yet to score thus far.

His 90% pass accuracy rate does trump Anderson’s 85%, although Mainoo averages just 0.8 key passes per game, representing a more natural ball carrier than progressive passer in the centre of the park.

Defensively too, there is still work to be done with 1.9 tackles and interceptions, alongside only three recoveries on average, with Anderson evidently the superior figure in that department.

Those different skillsets could ensure the pair complement each other nicely regardless, with the hope being that Anderson can join an already exciting core of youngsters in Manchester.

Man Utd star is still worth more than Anderson and Mainoo

Handing Mainoo a new deal, alongside potentially signing Anderson, would fit nicely with INEOS’ work to date at Old Trafford, having typically favoured young, high-potential signings over the past 18 months or so.

There’s been Patrick Dorgu, Ayden Heaven and Senne Lammens, all three of which look set to potentially enjoy fruitful, long-term careers at the club on current evidence.

The same could also be true of the man who now leads the way for goals this season at United, Benjamin Sesko, with the Slovenian marksman again getting on the scoresheet against the Bees.

For a player who began the campaign on difficult footing, after netting just twice before the turn of the year, it’s ultimately proven an encouraging debut season for the ex-RB Leipzig man.

Indeed, since Amorim’s exit, the 6 foot 5 sensation has finally found his groove, netting three times in just two games under Darren Fletcher, before adding a further six during Carrick’s fruitful spell as head coach thus far.

Like Anderson and Mainoo, he is still a player for the future at just 22, yet there’s already so much to like about his game, as the striker showcased on Monday.

In a similar vein to recent finishes against the likes of Fulham and Aston Villa, Sesko was so composed when receiving the ball from Bruno Fernandes inside the area, cutting inside before dispatching the ball past Caoimhin Kelleher to extend United’s lead.

Up to ten league goals and 11 in all competitions, the one-time Red Bull Salzburg man can only be considered a successful addition as far as INEOS are concerned, something his market value can attest to.

Indeed, as per Football Transfers, he is said to be worth roughly €74m (£63m), thus placing him ahead of Mainoo, who is deemed to be worth around €58m (£50m).

There have been sizeable transfer fees banded about with regard to Anderson, although as per the same site, the Geordie’s actual value is said to be closer to €52m (£44m) – again falling below Sesko.

That provides an indication of just how big a talent United’s number 30 is, even at just 22, already looking like the “monster” he has been tipped to become by analyst and Como scout Ben Mattinson.

With Sesko, Mainoo and co already on board, and with Anderson potentially set to join the party, there’s an exciting young core to build around now in Manchester.