'He has to leave' - Paul Scholes Urges £80m Manchester United Superstar to Join Premier League Rivals

Does Kobbie Mainoo Need to Leave His Boyhood Club?

Paul Scholes has told fellow Manchester United academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo that he should join Chelsea to save his career.

The 20-year-old hasn't started a single Premier League game this season, as he continues to be out of favour under manager Ruben Amorim.

Instead, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes start as a pair in the centre of midfield, despite this not being Fernandes' main position.

Amorim has previously insisted that he sees Mainoo as a starter, comments that the 11-time Premier League winner has now called out.

Scholes and Butt Speak Out

Scholes was on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast alongside former teammate Nicky Butt, where they were discussing the current state of affairs at their old club.

Butt started: “We’re getting rid of players who love the football club, it’s mind-boggling. I get the [Alejandro] Garnacho one because his attitude and behaviour was terrible but you don’t hear that about Kobbie.

“He’s a top, top, top player that we are f****ng up. Kobbie has got to go. If I’m looking after him I’m telling him ‘we’re getting you out of that football club.’

“For his football career he has to leave United, he’s lost 18 months of development. I hope he goes abroad because it’s embarrassing if he goes to Chelsea, which could happen."

Scholes echoed Butt's words, advising him to make the move.

“Do you know what? You’d have to advise him to go [to Chelsea], wouldn’t you? If he rang me and said ‘look, Chelsea are interested, what do you think?’ I’d say go all day long.”

"If Chelsea came in for him, I'd tell him to go!" 😳

Paul Scholes & Nicky Butt think Kobbie Mainoo needs to LEAVE Man United! 👀 pic.twitter.com/mMoVgw3i8X

— The Good, The Bad & The Football (@goodbadftblpod) December 8, 2025

Which Clubs are Interested?

The midfielder is still a very good player and is very much adored by the United faithful, as his substitute cameo in the last match against Wolves proved.

Mainoo came on to a massive cheer from the away fans, before completing more passes and winning more fouls than any other player on the pitch during his time on it.

Kobbie Mainoo completed more passes (12/13) and won more fouls (2) than any other midfielder on the pitch during his appearance vs. Wolves.

A fantastic reception. 👏 pic.twitter.com/afC6Y20rHP

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 8, 2025

Sky Sports reported earlier this week that he is being tracked by Napoli, which would see him reunite with fellow former boyhood United player Scott McTominay.

Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips reported in November that the Blues will likely make a formal enquiry before the January window opens, that they have been in contact with the player's agent, and he himself is open to the move.

Other, less trusted rumours have said teams from Tottenham, Newcastle, Leeds and even a potential switch to the blue side of Manchester could be on the cards.

No matter what happens to him by the end of the January transfer window, he remains a very talented player that will no doubt be in Thomas Tuchel's thoughts of bringing to the World Cup in the summer.