Is Kobbie Mainoo as good as Paul Scholes’ superlatives suggest?.
There is a lot of talk around Manchester United’s young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. former United midfielder Paul Scholes, contributing to the hype, suggested the teenager is “10 times the player I was at 19” via an Instagram post. But is it true? And does Mainoo have the temperament to cope with such expectation?
Early Success: What Mainoo has Accomplished.
Mainoo has had a taste of success at 19 which started with winning the FA Youth Cup in 2022. Although Paul Scholes was also in the Manchester United youth team that lost of the FA Youth Cup final in 1992-93, that team also featured ex academy graduate Phil Neville. Paul Scholes also won the UEFA European Under-18 Championship.
But Paul Scholes had not made his senior debut at 19, neither does he have a trophy to show for it. Mainoo has made his breakthrough into the Manchester United first team. He was first called up to the senior squad for training in October 2022. A few weeks later he made it into the matchday squad for a Premier League game against Newcastle United.
Mainoo made his senior debut in January 2023. He started the EFL Cup victory over Charlton Athletic. A month later he came on as substitute in his first Premier League game against Leicester City.
He has also made his mark at international level. Mainoo has represented England at under-17 under-18 and under-19 level. In March 2024 he was called up for the first time to the senior England squad for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. Ahead of a potential under 21 call up. Unlike Scholes who didn’t get his England debut until 1997 when he was 23.
He made his dream debut at 18. He was introduced as a substitute against Brazil. Three days later he started the game against Belgium. He justified his place in the starting lineup. He was given the man-of-the-match award. Further enhancing his burgeoning reputation.
Style of Play and Initial Breakthrough
Mainoo is a central midfielder. But he is versatile he can also play as a defensive or attacking midfielder. Ex Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Mainoo’s style is comparable to that of the great Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf.
Manager Erik ten Hag has described Mainoo as someone who has quickly adapted to a high level. He has a hunger to learn. And to improve. These attributes were also obvious on the field. Mainoo notched his first goal for Manchester United in the FA Cup fourth round victory over Newport County in January.
His mazy solo effort against Wolves won the Premier League Goal of the Month for February.
Mainoo extended his unbelievable streak. He neted at Old Trafford in the Premier League draw against Liverpool. He also sealed his meteoric rise with the winner in 2024 FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Paul Scholes’ Superlatives: Pressure and Expectation
Undoubtedly Paul Scholes’ comment will add pressure to Mainoo’s shoulders. A comparison to a club legend like Scholes who is regarded one of greatest midfielders in Manchester United’s history. is a great compliment. It can also cut two ways. For a young player it can be both inspiring. And overwhelming. Mainoo is still building his reputation. Only time will tell if Mainoo can cope with such expectation. His early success suggest he has the talent and the temperament to excel under pressure.
Future Prospect: Does Mainoo deserve the hype?.
Paul Scholes’ comment is certainly ambitious. Whether Mainoo can really develop to be ten times the player. Only time will tell. But Mainoo’s talent is obvious. So is his versatility and early productivity. With guidance and support. And continued hard work and humility. Mainoo can develop into a star. Not just for Manchester United but for England too. Whether he can elevate his game to the level of Scholes remains to be seen. One thing is for sure. Kobbie Mainoo is a name to note.
