Joe Cole sends message to ‘wonderful’ Man Utd star over Chelsea transfer

Joe Cole sends message to ‘wonderful’ Man Utd star over Chelsea transfer

Former England and Chelsea star Joe Cole has advised Kobbie Mainoo to stay at Manchester United amid interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Old Trafford academy graduate Mainoo has made 60 appearances for United over the past two seasons, emerging as a key player for former manager Erik ten Hag and current boss Ruben Amorim

Manchester United are reportedly open to selling Mainoo and Premier League rivals Chelsea have expressed interest in a summer deal.

But ex-England midfielder Cole, who spent seven years at Stamford Bridge, believes it would be a mistake for Mainoo to leave his boyhood club even if he is struggling for minutes in his best position on the pitch

‘At the moment, Kobbie Mainoo’s best position is where Bruno Fernandes plays; a loose number eight and 10 but unfortunately for Kobbie, Bruno’s the best player at the club and the captain,’ Cole told Paddy Power.

‘Mainoo playing multiple positions won’t harm his development, it’ll help him, especially as a young player.

‘He will get stronger as he grows into a man’s body but first and foremost, he needs to play in a team that plays football and has the ball

‘He’s a wonderful footballer and a wonderful technician but my only concern for him which may stunt his development, is if Manchester United need to sell him because of the financial rules.

‘It seems to be in vogue to sell your academy players because you can keep more money from the margin.

‘From what I understand, Manchester United may be looking into moving Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho on because they need to balance the books in the summer which isn’t a good thing for Kobbie

‘He should stay at Manchester United and play, especially as a Manchester lad.

‘I’ve got no problem with him playing multiple positions. I think he’ll end up as an eight or 10 but he’s such a wonderful football player.’

While United are believed to be open to selling Mainoo, they value the highly-rated midfielder at around £80m.

While Chelsea are admirers of Mainoo, the west London club also considered a move for his United teammate Alejandro Garnacho during the January transfer window.

Earlier this week, Manchester United legend Paul Scholes said Mainoo looks ‘lost’ at Old Trafford and questioned if Amorim knew how to utilise the academy star.

‘I think Mainoo is lost,’ Scholes said. ‘I’ve talked about Declan Rice being lost at Arsenal – I think Mainoo is lost as well.

‘They don’t know what to do with him. I don’t think he knows where to play on a football pitch