Kobbie Mainoo has said what Manchester United want to hear amid Man City transfer interest

Manchester City might be interested in Kobbie Mainoo but the Manchester United youngster has already sent an emphatic message over his future.

Reports surfaced earlier this week suggesting Pep Guardiola's side could make a surprise move for Mainoo, having been impressed by his development since making his first-team debut in January. But their interest in the 18-year-old is nothing new and the Manchester Evening News understands United are relaxed about the situation.

Mainoo chose to join United's academy aged nine and City have made previous attempts to lure the midfielder to the club. But the teenager always opted to stay at United and was rewarded with a first-team debut in the Carabao Cup win over Charlton in January.

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“It’s an unbelievable feeling," Mainoo admitted after making his debut. "I have been at this club all my life and it’s all been building to tonight. And to have my family here watching me, surrounding me, it is just amazing.

“[It was] all the immediate family. If I brought anyone else, it would be too much! But they were all here supporting me, I waved to them after the game, it was brilliant.

“[My ambition is] to stay around it and to keep on getting more games is the ultimate goal. I want to stay at this club, I’ve been here my whole life.”

Mainoo has had some unfortunate luck with injuries since making that debut but is highly valued as a first-team squad member by Erik ten Hag. He was involved in the matchday squad for the first time this season during last Sunday's 3-0 defeat against City, following a long spell out with an ankle issue.

News of City's interest