Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has claimed that Kobbie Mainoo has the potential to become the Red Devils’ future of midfield.
The 21-year-old started his youth career at Cheadle & Gatley before spending time with Failsworth Dynamos. He joined United’s academy at the age of nine.
After coming through their youth system, Mainoo made his first-team debut in 2023 before establishing himself as an undisputed starter under former manager Erik ten Hag.
The youngster even helped United win the FA Cup by scoring a goal against Manchester City in the final a couple of years ago. However, Mainoo lost his place in the starting line-up under Ruben Amorim, but since Michael Carrick’s arrival as manager, he has been featuring regularly once again.
He guided Man Utd to qualify for the Champions League by finishing third in the Premier League last campaign. The Englishman has even enjoyed a promising start this season.
After displaying impressive performances during the second half of last term, Mainoo secured his place in England’s World Cup squad but failed to break into Thomas Tuchel’s starting line-up.
Now, speaking to SPORTbible (via Metro), Scholes says that although Mainoo is still very young, he has the potential to reach the top and just needs the right partner next to him. So, he is capable of becoming the Red Devils’ future of midfield.
Scholes heaps praise on Mainoo
Scholes said:
“I think he is capable of being the future of the midfield. Look, he’s going to get better, he’s still a young kid and missed a lot of football because he’d been out of favour.
“When he did play last year, look, he was all right, but he’d missed a lot of football, so it’s always going to take him a little bit of time. But I think if he gets the right partner next to him, I’ve no doubt the ability is there.”
Mainoo, valued at around £60m by Transfermarkt, is a box-to-box midfielder by trait but can provide cover in the deep-lying playmaker position if needed.
The Englishman is technically sound, can dribble past opposition defenders in tight areas, can play threading passes between the lines, and has the tendency to chip in with some important goals.
Moreover, he has started showing improvement in his defensive side of the game in recent times. Mainoo is one of the best young midfielders in the world, and Carrick is the perfect man to help him reach the top.
