Kobbie Mainoo ‘can be so much better’, says Amorim amid uncertain future
Kobbie Mainoo ‘can be so much better’, says Amorim amid uncertain future
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Ruben Amorim has warned Kobbie Mainoo to not believe the hype that he is the “finished article” and to focus on improving, amid negotiations over the teenager’s future at Manchester United. The 19-year-old midfielder, whose contract runs until 2027 with the option of another year, has been a regular for United since progressing to the first team from the club’s academy and is seeking an increase on his £20,000-per-week salary. Mainoo’s partnership with Manuel Ugarte has given cause for optimism and the duo could start together again on Sunday as United travel to Arsenal, where Amorim suffered the first defeat of his reign, in the third round of the FA Cup.
“I think Kobbie Mainoo is improving a lot during the last matches, I think you guys [the media] feel like Kobbie Mainoo is the finished product – he is not, he has so much potential to grow up even more,” Amorim said. “He is really, really good but he can be so much better. I think he is improving, all the players are improving, all the players are important for me, no matter what.”.
United are not actively trying to sell Mainoo but would be open to a substantial offer that could help United comply with profitability and sustainability rules. United are the FA Cup holders after beating Manchester City in last season’s final. It was enough for Erik ten Hag to keep his job in the short term but continuing poor league form into this season led to his demise. Sunday will be Amorim’s first taste of the competition, and it will be a very rude introduction against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal at the Emirates.
