Kobbie Mainoo recently sparked a wave of online reactions when he shared a nostalgic throwback photo of himself wearing a Tottenham Hotspur shirt from the 1996-97 season.
The post came as the Manchester United midfielder celebrated his 20th birthday, but it quickly left fans scratching their heads and even feeling betrayed.
A Manchester United Fan at Heart
Mainoo, a Stockport native, has been with Manchester United since he was just nine years old.
Known for his loyalty to the Red Devils, he’s often shared childhood photos of himself proudly sporting United kits.
However, his latest Instagram post, where he sported the Spurs shirt, has raised eyebrows.
The caption, “20! Blessed,” accompanied the throwback image, celebrating his milestone birthday.
But instead of the usual birthday well-wishes, many fans couldn’t help but question his choice of attire, especially considering his deep ties to United.
Fans React to the Tottenham Shirt
The reaction from fans was swift, with many expressing confusion and even disappointment.
Some took to social media to voice their thoughts.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) asked, “Why is Kobbie Mainoo wearing a 96/97 Spurs shirt? Thought he was one of us.”
Another chimed in with, “96/97 Spurs shirt. What the f***.” The frustration was clear, as others also questioned what had led him to wear such a kit.
Interestingly, there’s more to the photo than just the kit. In the background, a child can be seen wearing the same Tottenham shirt, suggesting that Mainoo was likely involved in an academy event or tournament, rather than showing any affiliation to Spurs.
The Bigger Picture: Mainoo’s Future at United
While the throwback photo sparked a debate, it’s not the only thing on fans’ minds.
There’s growing concern over Mainoo’s future at Manchester United.
Despite making 63 appearances for the club and establishing himself as one of the most promising young talents in Europe, his contract talks have hit a stalemate.
Mainoo, who made his senior debut for United in January 2023, has already made a name for himself, scoring in United’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City and starting for England in their Euro 2024 final loss to Spain.
However, with his current contract set to run until 2027, there are rumors swirling about his potential move to another club.
Chelsea’s Interest and Contract Demands
Chelsea has reportedly emerged as the frontrunner to sign Mainoo if he doesn’t reach an agreement on a new contract with United.
The London club is ready to make a move, but they’ll face competition from both Premier League rivals and international teams.
Mainoo’s camp is seeking a new deal that would pay him around £200,000 per week, including bonuses, which would reflect his status as a key player for both United and England.
Although Manchester United remains hopeful that an agreement can be reached, the tension surrounding his future continues to grow.
With a market value of £65 million, Mainoo’s next steps could determine the next chapter in his career—whether that’s continuing at Old Trafford or making a move to pastures new.