Kobbie Mainoo: Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim can’t guarantee midfielder’s future
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says he wants to keep Kobe Mainu at the club, but there are no guarantees it will actually happen.
The 19-year-old England midfielder was linked with a move to Chelsea earlier this week as a deadlock continues over his proposed contract extension.
Manchester United officials say they have been working to secure the futures of Harry Maguire and Amad Diallo, who will be free to talk to overseas clubs from January 1.
The pair have now agreed to a contract extension, but Mainu remains on his current contract, which still has two-and-a-half years to run.
Sources close to the teenager believe they can afford to agree a significant pay rise given his improved status as an international player and a regular member of United’s starting XI under Amorim and before that, Erik ten Hag.
However, with United admitting “tight” conditions around profits and sustainability, and with Premier League financial rules committed to the Old Trafford side, selling homegrown players could provide greater flexibility in signing players. The problem becomes complicated.
“The idea is always to keep the best players and the players we develop for the club,” Amorim said ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup trip to Arsenal.
“But we know where the club is at the moment. We’ll see.”
