Kobbie Mainoo has already told Manchester United the type of player that would be his ideal midfield partner.
Mainoo enjoyed his breakthrough season at United to become one of the first names on the team sheet for manager Erik ten Hag. The 19-year-old scored what proved to be the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, which also secured United’s spot in next season’s Europa League.
MEN Sport understands that United have put all but four players on the transfer list this summer. Mainoo is one of those four players alongside Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho.
Mainoo looks set to be a key figure in United’s future, and if the latest reports are to be believed a new midfielder may be added to the squad. Reports in Portugal have claimed that the Reds have moved to try and sign Benfica star Joao Neves.
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Record has reported that United have seen a £51 million bid for Neves rejected this week. Neves is thought to be valued closer to €100 million (£85 million) by the Primeira Liga club and is reported to have a €120 million (£102 million) release clause in his contract.
It was back in April that Mainoo gave an interview with MUTV about his start to life in the United first-team. One of the questions may offer a hint as to what the teenager may want from United’s transfer business this summer if they are to sign a new midfielder.
Mainoo was asked to name his dream midfield partner for United. The 19-year-old responded by explaining why Paul Scholes would be his choice but explained why the line-up would not work in reality.
“I’d say, Paul Scholes,” Mainoo told MUTV back in April. “Although there might not be a lot [of]defending between the two of us. But, yeah, Scholes. Scholes – definitely.
“[Because of] everything. His passing, his movement, the way he could finish. His intelligence. Yes, he was a great player.”
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