In a revelation that will set pulses racing at Old Trafford, Sporting CP's highly sought-after manager Ruben Amorim has heaped extraordinary praise on Manchester United's teenage prodigy Kobbie Mainoo, drawing direct comparisons to the club's legendary midfielder Paul Scholes.
The Portuguese coach, who has been strongly linked with a summer move to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, made the surprising comments when discussing United's emerging talent. His admiration for the 18-year-old could signal a potential transfer tug-of-war for one of English football's most exciting prospects.
'He reminds me of Paul Scholes,' Amorim declared during an interview with Sport TV, sending shockwaves through the football community. 'Mainoo has shown incredible maturity for his age. The way he controls the game, his positioning, his technical quality - it's very reminiscent of Scholes in his early days.'
The comparison to United's Class of '92 icon represents the highest possible compliment for Mainoo, who has enjoyed a spectacular breakthrough season under Erik ten Hag. His performances in the heart of United's midfield have been one of the few bright spots in a challenging campaign for the Red Devils.
Amorim's comments come at a particularly intriguing time, with the 39-year-old manager expected to be at the centre of a major managerial merry-go-round this summer. His Sporting side currently lead the Primeira Liga and recently defeated Liverpool target Goncalo Inacio's Benfica.
While Amorim was careful to clarify that he wasn't directly suggesting a move for Mainoo, his effusive praise will inevitably fuel speculation. 'I'm not saying we're going to sign him - that's not what this is about,' he insisted. 'But when you see a young player with that quality, it's natural to admire him. He has a very bright future.'
The timing couldn't be more delicate for United, who regard Mainoo as absolutely untouchable and central to their long-term rebuilding plans. His current contract runs until 2027, with the option for an additional year, making any potential transfer prohibitively expensive.
Mainoo's meteoric rise has been one of the Premier League's standout stories this season. The Stockport-born midfielder made his senior debut in January 2023 and has since become a regular starter, earning praise from pundits and former players alike for his composure and technical ability.
With Amorim potentially Premier League-bound himself next season, his admiration for Mainoo adds an intriguing subplot to the summer transfer window. Whether this develops into anything more than respectful praise remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Kobbie Mainoo has another high-profile admirer in European football's elite circles.
