Ex-Manchester United Assistant Manager Rene Meulensteen has called on his former club to keep Kobbie Mainoo.

The 19-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford with the Red Devils needing to raise funds for rebuilding the squad. However, speaking to Discasino, Meulensteen said that Mainoo is the type of player that head coach Ruben Amorim could build his team around:

“Kobbie Mainoo looked brilliant when he stepped into the senior Manchester United team from the youth setup. He has his entire career ahead of him and the team should do what they can to keep him; I’d be very sad if they decided to sell him.”

“At the end of the day, they don’t have another young and energetic midfielder like him, he has proven that he can play at that level. I wouldn’t be hasty to let him go, but it’s clear that he has fallen to the wayside – the situation needs rectifying.”

“It may be as a result of financial regulations that they are looking to explore a deal with clubs for him, but to me, he looks like the kind of player that you would build that side around for years to come.”

What are the chances of the player leaving United?

All the noises coming out of the club do suggest that a parting of ways is possible. Talks over a new contract have not progressed and there are suggestions that the club are prepared to cash in for around £70m.

As Meulensteen mentions, one of the main motivations for selling Mainoo is due to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules. As the teenager is homegrown, he would go down as pure profit on the balance sheet, giving the Red Devils more leeway for spending on new recruits.

Which club would Mainoo move to?

Reports indicate that Chelsea are among the teams interested in the midfielder, but he is reportedly open to making the switch abroad if the opportunity arises.

At the moment, nothing is set in stone and, like Meulensteen, many fans will be hoping that Mainoo stays in Manchester and realises his potential at the club where he came through the ranks.

Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here