Ruben Amorim fires Chelsea warning after 'backdoor' Man Utd transfer plan emerges

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has reiterated his love for midfielder Kobbie Mainoo after a week that saw Premier League rivals Chelsea hotly linked with a move for the Red Devils youngster.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's FA Cup clash against Arsenal, Amorim was asked about the rumours linking Mainoo with a move to Stamford Bridge. The Red Devils boss was crystal clear in his fondness for the England international.

He said: "Yeah, my players are always my favourites. 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 (Alejandro Garnacho)."

Chelsea in pursuit of Kobbie Mainoo

Those words come after an update in the transfer saga on Thursday, which suggested that Chelsea could take a 'backdoor' route into making the transfer a reality. The London club were said to have contacted the player's representatives in a move to turn the midfielder's head.

That was according to Simon Phillips, who claims Chelsea are working on a deal to sign the midfielder this month, even if a summer deal is more likely. Mainoo has rejected United’s contract offer, but he does still remain under terms for two-and-a-half years.

It is believed that both Manchester United and Mainoo hope that an agreement will be reached, but the club is strapped for cash to spend on a new salary until they offload the likes of Casemiro, Marcus Rashford and Antony.

An update shared on social media platform X by Sky Sports News read: "Kobbie Mainoo has no concerns over his Manchester United future, amid reports the club may need to cash in on academy players to comply with financial rules, Sky Sports News understands."

Earlier this week, The Daily Mail claimed that Manchester United had reached a 'stalemate' in contract negotiations with Mainoo. The outlet had touted a January sale or an exit at the end of the current campaign.

Blues in ‘pole position’ for Man Utd man

Enzo Maresca's side were supposedly in 'pole position' to sign the player. It was added that Mainoo also has reservations over the direction of the club under new Ruben Amorim management with Champions League football looking increasingly unlikely. The club currently sits 13th place in the Premier League.

Speaking in his press conference on Friday, Amorim also underlined the importance of homegrown players at Manchester United. He said: "The first thing, I think, I don't remember saying that I clearly want new players. Players can come here with a different of idea how to play. I don't remember saying so clearly that I want new players.

"We need to improve recruitment. We have to improve academy to bring young kids [though] that feel the club in the right way. Our idea is always to keep the best players and the players that we build for this club. But we know the position that this club is in at this moment. I really like our players, especially from our academy."