'He can be so much better' - Ruben Amorim sends out strong message to Man Utd star Kobbie Mainoo amid Chelsea interest

United midfielder Mainoo has impressed in recent matches for the club, particularly alongside summer signing Manuel Ugarte. Now, Red Devils head coach Amorim has warned the 19-year-old not to believe he is the "finished product" and to focus on improving his game.

He told reporters: "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. 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 and Mainoo are in a contract impasse at present, but Amorim is desperate for the 19-year-old to extend his stay at Old Trafford. If the Red Devils are unable to strike a new deal, with the England international's terms running until 2027 plus the option of an extra year, Chelsea are waiting in the wings to pounce. An intriguing period lies ahead for the United academy product on and off the field.

Mainoo is likely to feature for United in their third round FA Cup trip to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, as the Red Devils try to retain the trophy they won in 2024.