Ruben Amorim has described Kobbie Mainoo as not the 'finished product' as the 19-year-old's future at Manchester United remains uncertain.
Amorim is a big fan of the England midfielder's potential, but indicated there is a danger of him being overhyped.
Mainoo, one of the big boys from United's famed academy, has a contract until 2027 but talks with his representatives have reached an impasse as they seek £180,000-a-week plus bonuses.
To help with profit and sustainability rules, United are willing to let Marcus Rashford leave in the January transfer window and are also open to selling fellow homegrown players Alejandro Garnacho and Mainoo, who are valued at £65 million.
“I think you guys feel like Kobbie Mainoo is the end product, but that's not the case,” Amorim warned.
'He has so much potential to grow even further. He's really good, but he can do a lot better.
'I think he is improving. All players are improving.”
Amorim will take charge of his first FA Cup match against Arsenal on Sunday, aware of the importance of the competition in United's history.
He watched a video of the famous 1990 third round tie at Nottingham Forest, which United won to save Alex Ferguson's job and change the course of their history.
Erik ten Hag was granted a temporary reprieve after winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City last season, but lifting the trophy in 2016 did not prevent Louis van Gaal from being sacked straight away.
“I know the story of the fans saying 'Fergie Out,'” Amorim said. 'They won the game, reached the final and won the FA Cup. I think it saved his job.
'Maybe I'll need that in the future, I don't know! It's about the feeling of winning. That feeling can give you so much confidence. If you win one thing, you believe you can win more. It's addictive.'
United earned a creditable draw against Liverpool last weekend, having been defeated in five of their previous six games.
“Being consistent every day is my biggest concern. Not just the big games,” said the Portuguese manager.
'We have to suffer. We have to run. I saw at Liverpool, when the referee ended the match, some of my players went onto the pitch, they were very tired.
“You don't see that in all games, so we have to focus on that detail.”
One player who is in good form is midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who also played for Amorim at Sporting Lisbon and moved to PSG before reuniting with his manager at Old Trafford.
“I think he's gotten better with the ball and playing between the lines.” Amorim revealed.
“He remains an aggressive player, but he has improved because he trained with some of the players at PSG.
'He's from Uruguay, it's his style. He is a good example. He plays a very important position in the team.'
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