Paul Robinson claims Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo 'wouldn't get into' Chelsea's starting XI amid transfer links 

Former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo wouldn't start for Chelsea amid transfer links. The Englishman admitted that he was surprised by the rumors linking the midfielder with a switch to Stamford Bridge.

Mainoo developed into a top midfield prospect at Old Trafford after earning his first-team promotion in January 2023. He impressed with his performances for Manchester United last season and later at the 2024 European Championships for England.

However, the 19-year-old's future at the club now seems uncertain. The Daily Mail recently reported that Mainoo was unhappy with United's proposal for a contract extension, with his existing deal expiring in 2027.

The outlet also claimed that Chelsea would be the leading contenders should Mainoo decide to depart Manchester. A potential switch to west London doesn't make sense to Robinson though, who feels Mainoo cannot walk into a fully fit Chelsea squad.

The former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper told Football Insider:

"Surprise with Chelsea, absolutely. But then you look at [Moises] Caicedo, [Enzo] Fernandez in their centre midfield. They’ve got injuries in that area now, like I say, but when everybody’s fit with Kobbie Mainoo in there, would he get in the team? No, he wouldn’t."

Lavishing praise on Romeo Lavia, who's been nursing a hamstring injury, Robinson added:

“[Romeo] Lavia’s been one of the best players in the Premier League for me this year, he’s a top, top player. When they’ve got Lavia, Caicedo, and Fernandez fit, Mainoo doesn’t get in."

Mainoo has made 17 appearances across competitions for Manchester United this season.

Paul Robinson names player Manchester United should sell instead of Chelsea target Kobbie Mainoo

Paul Robinson believes United should sell Marcus Rashford to free up space in their squad instead of Kobbie Mainoo.

Rashford has not featured for the Red Devils since being dropped from the squad that faced Manchester City in December. The England international has been heavily linked with an exit as he's seemingly been exiled from Ruben Amorim's squad.

The Portuguese boss has been coy when quizzed about the winger's future amid growing uncertainty, and Robinson believes Manchester United should part ways with Rashford. He told the aforementioned outlet:

“Everyone at Manchester United will be for sale the way things are at the moment. Marcus Rashford looks like he’s going to be the first one out the door, doesn’t he?"

Insisting that United should retain Mainoo, Robinson added:

“So, to get those wages off the books and that space in the squad gives the manager a better option than letting somebody like Kobbie Mainoo go. It’s a surprise deal at both ends for me.”

Rashford has made 24 appearances across competitions for United this season, scoring seven goals in the process.