Rúben Amorim issues Kobbie Mainoo transfer statement amid Manchester United sale rumours

Rúben Amorim has issued his view on Kobbie Mainoo amid rumours that the club will consider serious offers for the Academy graduate this summer.

Manchester United begin their defence of the FA Cup with a trip to North London to face Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

The Reds lifted the trophy in May 2024, with Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scoring in a memorable victory under Erik ten Hag at Wembley.

Eight months on, the team is now under the guidance of 39-year-old Rúben Amorim, who replaced Ten Hag following his dismissal in October. Amorim’s tenure has delivered mixed results but also moments of promise.

The sides last met at the Emirates in December, where Arsenal secured victory with two goals from corners. Despite the defeat, United’s performances against elite teams on the road have been widely praised.

Amorim issues Mainoo transfer statement

In the build-up to the Arsenal game, United star midfielder Mainoo has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford.

Reports state that although there are talks surrounding a possible contract extension, there has been little movement, with the two parties far apart over what his new wage package should be.

However, speaking to the press ahead of the Arsenal tie, Amorim confirmed he wants to keep Mainoo at the club.

“Yeah, my players are always my favourites,” Amorim replied when asked specifically about Mainoo. “So I really love my players, I want to keep my players, especially the talented ones. It’s a special moment in this club, it’s a hard moment, I am really happy with Kobbie, he is improving and also with Garna [Garnacho].

“The first thing I think I don’t remember to say clearly that I want new players. What I said is sometimes the profile for this system is different and the players came here with a different idea how to play.

“I don’t remember to say that so clearly that I want new players. What I said is that we need to improve recruitment when we are targeting players, we need to be sure they will cope with the demands, sometimes you have to bet a little bit.

“And what I said also is we have to improve our academy, to bring in young kids that feel the club in the right way and with that rules we are able to do some business to invest in the team.

“Our idea is always to keep the best players and the players that we build for this club but we know the position the club is in at the moment. We will see.

“But I’m very happy. I really like the players, especially the guys from the academy.”

Mainoo’s view on leaving United revealed

According to reports earlier this week, Mainoo’s ideal desire is to stay at United despite transfer interest from Chelsea and other clubs across Europe.

Read More: “Disrespectful…” Manchester United fans react to Arsenal ‘proposal’ for Marcus Rashford

Despite his current contract running until 2027, it’s been stated that he is looking for a major update that reflects his status as one of the most important players in the team following his brilliant rise in the last 18 months.

However, his representatives feel that the current offer on the table from United does not reflect this, and they are holding out for a more fair package.

It has been reported elsewhere that it’s likely that United and Mainoo will come to an agreement that would see his salary sit at around £150,000 a week.

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