“I’d be offended by that”: United legend condemns potential sale of club’s “brightest spark”

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has blasted the potential sale of Kobbie Mainoo but has stated he could understand Alejandro Garnacho leaving.

The two youngsters were rare beacons of hope during last season and despite not hitting the same heights this year, they remain two key components of the squad.

January has seen numerous rumours swirling that United may be prepared to sanction the sale of Mainoo due to ongoing complications with his new contract and with Chelsea circling.

What’s more, Garnacho is said to be open to a move to SSC Napoli and the two clubs are thought to be in negotiations over a transfer for the Argentine.

The potential sale of two academy products has been met with disappointment from certain sections of the fanbase and the legendary midfielder also lambasted the potential exit of Mainoo.

Speaking on TNT Sports after the match versus Southampton last night he claimed, “it’d be absolutely ridiculous if the club had to sell him.”

The pundit referenced how long the player has been at Carrington and all the time and effort gone into his development would all go to waste if he were sold.

“He’s United’s brightest spark, the leading man who could be here for the next five to 10 years.”

Scholes was much less complimentary about Mainoo’s teammate and fellow academy product, Alejandro Garnacho, however.

Referencing a sale he asserted, “I can see it with Garnacho. I think United can get better than Garnacho.”

The pundit did admit that the South American is still young and there is time for his game to progress but stated, “he’s a little scruffy and his decision-making at times is really poor”.

Nonetheless, he did admit that whilst he would not be overly worried by United cashing in on Garnacho, he’d “be offended by” the sale of Mainoo.

Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images


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Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.

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