Man United stand firm amid Chelsea interest in midfielder

Manchester United begin the defence of their FA Cup crown when they face Premier League rivals Arsenal in the third round on Sunday. 

The Red Devils defeated fierce rivals Manchester City 2-1 in last season’s final at Wembley, and new head coach Ruben Amorim may see the competition a arguably his best chance of guiding his side to silverware this term.

United will face a tough test in their first match, though, with Arsenal flying high in the Premier League at present.

In the meantime, United are reportedly unbothered by recent speculation surrounding the future of one of their key players.

According to CaughtOffside, the Manchester outfit are unfazed by reports suggesting that midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is unhappy at the club.

Recent reports have suggested that the England international is not content at Old Trafford and could look to leave the club this year, with fierce rivals Chelsea said to be leading the race to land the player.

Mainoo has been linked with a move to Chelsea in recent days

Despite this, the report claims that the Red Devils are unwilling to allow the player to leave as he is part of Amorim’s plans for the future.

Mainoo, 19, has played more than 50 times for United since graduating through the club’s academy.

The teenager currently earns around £20,000-per-week on a deal that runs until 2027, but the report claims that it isn’t clear whether or not suggestions that he is demanding £200,000-per-week are true.

Mainoo’s representatives have been in talks with the club over a new deal for several months now, with the player himself seeking a new contract that reflects his importance to the first team.

As well as forcing his way into the first team at Old Trafford, the central midfielder has also established himself as a regular for England over the past 12 months.