'We know the position the club is in' - Ruben Amorim hints at Man Utd financial trouble in plea to keep Kobbie Mainoo

Reports surrounding the future of Mainoo have emerged in recent days, with Chelsea potential suitors for the England international. The United midfielder is believed to be on the hunt for a new contract at Old Trafford and Amorim is hopeful the young talent will remain part of his squad for the foreseeable future.

Amorim suggested to the media he is aware of the club's financial struggles but is still hopeful the he can keep hold of his best players. He said: "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 and to have money 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 put in a star performance during Manchester United's recent 2-2 draw with Liverpool and showcased on the biggest stage the talent he possesses. If the Red Devils want to get out of the hole they are in - they currently sit 13th - they must keep hold of their best players. However, PSR troubles have seen academy stars removed from a list of untouchable players.

Despite talks that he could depart, Mainoo has a contract until 2028. It would take a mammoth bid from the likes of Chelsea to pry him away from his boyhood club.