We saw it last season. Rookie Kobbie Mainoo played his way into the United team – as one of the most solid players. United legends such as Neville and Ferdinand praised the teenager, this season Sir Alex Ferguson described the 19-year-old as United’s “heart and sole”. Then the problems started. Mainoo plays big in the middle with Manuel Ugarte, but has realized his value and is not convinced by Ratcliffe’s “cut-policy” in the negotiations for an extension.
Chelsea know how to take advantage of this. The London club is closely linked to the 19-year-old and is working on “turning heads” to the United player – in the direction of Stamford Bridge. Manchester United controls the process, but Chelsea are ready for their opportunity if it comes. Ruben Amorim is of course asked about Mainoo.
“I think Kobbie Mainoo has improved a lot over the last few games, I think you [the media] feel that Kobbie Mainoo is the finished product – he’s not. He has so much potential to grow even more. He’s really, really good, but he can be so much better.., says Amorim according to Goal.
Already a giant in midfield in the world’s toughest league as a 19-year-old, but anything but finished. Ratcliffe and the management have reportedly signalled that it is time to bring in large sales revenues from United players and that no one is untouchable.
But when we hear Amorim describe the 19-year-old, losing Kobbie Mainoo to rivals Chelsea would be the biggest mistake of the year. This door should never have been open.
