It has been just over a year since Sir Alex Ferguson described academy product Kobbie Mainoo as "the heart and soul" of Manchester United and well, circumstances have changed dramatically since.
Once considered the future of United's midfield for years to come, Mainoo is now open to leaving his boyhood club this summer after growing frustrated at a lack of opportunities under Ruben Amorim.
The central midfielder, who played just two minutes of United's Europa League final defeat to Tottenham last season, was an unused substitute in their opening two Premier League games against Arsenal and Fulham.
Since rumours surrounding his uncertain future escalated on Monday, a number of clubs have made contact about his availability, as per the Mail, including Spanish giants Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
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Mainoo, meanwhile, is thought to prefer a move to the continent over a Premier League stay, according to The Athletic,
The 20-year-old, who penned a new contract last year until June 2027, looks on the verge of leaving United – a scenario which seemed almost unthinkable following his breakthrough campaign under Erik ten Hag.
Sir Alex Ferguson was one of many to heap praise on Mainoo, as well as fellow academy product Alejandro Garnacho, when he spoke to Jamal Niaz in 2024.
Asked about the impact they made during their debut campaigns, Ferguson said: “It’s the foundation isn’t it? It’s the heart and soul of what Manchester United has been since the days of Sir Matt Busby, who started the whole process of trusting young players.
“They’re young. What they’re showing at the moment, the composure and confidence to play in the first team, and not be daunted by it. In a way, it shows you the kind of courage they have."
He added: "It’s a distinction in human beings, some have the will to be that [fearless at a young age].”
Chelsea are long-term admirers of Mainoo and are currently one of the favourites to snap up the England international.
Ferguson, on the other hand, would have never allowed such a transfer to happen during his spell at Old Trafford as the Scot and David Gill, United's former chief executive, had a policy of never selling an important player to one of their Premier League rivals.
Gill revealed his stance after United turned down a £6 million bid from Liverpool for defender Gabriel Heinze in 2012.
"On Monday night we received a written offer and we've rejected that. It was a significant offer. But we rejected it because it's Liverpool. We wouldn't sell a player to Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea," Gill said at the time.
"We've relayed that to the agent in no uncertain terms. I couldn't have been clearer. If the club were still a plc it might be different, but we don't have some of those pressures now.
Topics: Kobbie Mainoo, Sir Alex Ferguson, Premier League, Man Utd
Jack Kenmare