'I'm very wary about saying that': Pundit shares what he now thinks about Kobbie Mainoo after Belgium display
28/03/2024 11:45
Scott Minto has now made a claim about Kobbie Mainoo he admitted to being very wary about saying after watching the Manchester United starlet’s performance on his full England debut in the week.
If you are a Manchester United fan, there is a very good chance that this season will be largely remembered for the breakout of Kobbie Mainoo.
The 18-year-old had previously made just three appearances for United’s first-team before this season. And he had not played in this campaign before the trip to Everton in late November due to injury.
But it now appears to say that Mainoo is one of the most important players in Erik ten Hag‘s squad. He has certainly put the other central midfielders to shame.
Pundit shares what he now thinks about Kobbie Mainoo after England appearances
Many pundits have suggested that there is everything to like about Mainoo’s game. And with that, he found himself being promoted to Gareth Southgate’s squad for this international break.
Some claimed that it was too soon for Mainoo to receive an England call-up. But he was one of the big winners from the games against Brazil and Belgium.
Mainoo certainly seemed to do his chances of forcing his way into the Euro 2024 squad no harm at all. And speaking on the Premier League All Access podcast, Scott Minto claimed that he may end up with a much more prominent role than many would have ever expected.
“We spoke about it on Monday, didn’t we, about the impact he made coming off the bench, looking like he’s comfortable. That’s the first thing you need to know, as they say it takes about 10 caps to look comfortable. Well, he looked comfortable straight away with his little turn and pirouette and passing,” he said.
“But actually, now, that performance against Belgium, not only is he on the plane for sure, he’s genuinely pushing for a starting place. And I’m very wary about saying that because I was thinking after Monday that perhaps I should’ve said, look, I’m not talking about him as a starter. But I’m not quite sure who else you’d put in front of him, certainly on current form. And if it wasn’t for the fact that he’s just literally come in and made his debut, he’s the standout candidate to be alongside Declan Rice.”
Right to be wary about Manchester United starlet
You can understand Minto’s reservations about backing Mainoo for a starting spot. Ultimately, he has played 25 games at senior level for club and country.
It has been an absolutely remarkable rise. And if his form is a sign of what is to come, then Manchester United and England undoubtedly have a very special talent on their hands.
But there are going to be times when his form does dip. And, as rival teams learn more about him, it is inevitably going to become harder for Mainoo to stand out. He is going to have to work harder to steal the show.
On current evidence, he definitely has the ability to step up.
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