- Kobbie Mainoo has been linked with a possible Man United exit
- Paul Scholes believes his former club should do everything possible to retain him
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes believes his former club should do everything they can to retain teenage star Kobbie Mainoo.
Mainoo, 19, who broke into the first team last season, has been linked with a possible move away from Old Trafford as United look to comply with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Homegrown players are worth 100 per cent of the profits on a club's balance sheet, and United are willing to listen to grudging offers for Mainoo.
But Scholes has insisted Mainoo should go nowhere and has urged United to focus on building their team around him.
“It would be absolutely ridiculous if the club had to sell him,” Scholes told TNT Sports ahead of United's game against Southampton on Thursday night.
'All the hard work the club had to do, he's been here since he was seven or eight, Mainoo, and then you have to sell him because of PSR rules? It's ridiculous. “He is United's brightest spark, the protagonist who could be here for the next five to ten years.”
Paul Scholes urged Man United not to sell academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo
Scholes believes Mainoo is a player who can be a leading figure at United in the coming years
Alejandro Garnacho has also been linked with a departure, and Scholes believes it would not be a big loss for United.
Mainoo's teammate Alejandro Garnacho could also be on the move, with Serie A side Napoli showing interest in the winger.
Mail Sport understands United intend to keep Garnacho this month, but Scholes admitted he would have no problem with the Argentine leaving.
“I can see it with Garnacho,” Scholes continued. “I think United can be better than Garnacho.
'Although he is a young player and there are better things to come, he is a bit scruffy and his decision making is sometimes very poor. Garnacho, I wouldn't be afraid or worried if they sold, Mainoo, that would offend me.'
United are currently exploring their selling options as they look to raise funds for Ruben Amorim to improve their squad.
Ally McCoist believes the Portuguese manager needs to oversee a major overhaul of United's coaching staff and suggested no one, including Mainoo, should be considered untouchable.
“I hear what Scholes says, (but) everyone here is for sale,” McCoist said.
'There has to be a bigger change in the Manchester United team in the next 18 months, two years, than ever before. The coach who has come in must be given a free hand.'
More to follow…
