NEWS. . . BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Gareth Southgate has taken inspiration through Kobbie Mainoo, saying the Manchester United youngster is “doing brilliantly” but predicts he could replace positions as his career develops.
The 18-year-old has burst into the Red Devils first team and made nine Premier League starts since late December, seemingly nailing down a place in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI.
As a product of the youth system, he was temporarily a favourite of the Old Trafford faithful, helped by his first high-flying goal in the form of a stunning last-minute goal against Wolves.
There appears to be a place up for grabs in England’s midfield this summer alongside Declan Rice, occupied by Kalvin Phillips, however his form and fitness have not been fully demonstrated as he currently spends time on loan from the club. Manchester City to the West. Ham.
There are already indications that Mainoo could try to play that role alongside Rice and Jude Bellingham for the Three Lions at the European Championship.
Southgate didn’t go so far as to expect that, however, he warned that Mainoo’s future could simply be that of a more attacking midfielder than his current one, largely the defensive role he plays for his club.
“He’s doing brilliantly,” the England manager said. “I’m not sure he’s necessarily going to be a defensive midfielder as such.
“He’s a progressive player, but he’s off to a fabulous start to his career and it’ll be smart to keep an eye on him as we move forward. “
Mainoo, who was born in Stockport, has coached England from the Under-17s to the Under-19s in the past, but can still decide to build Ghana abroad.
Randy Abbey, a member of the executive board of the Ghana Football Association, told The Times: “The Ghana Football Association needs to monitor, attract and convince all eligible skills for its national teams.
“Kobbie is certainly one of those talents and the series would love to work with him and many others like him at home and abroad. “
Most likely, Southgate will want to prevent that from happening, with reports earlier this season suggesting the FA are convinced the Manchester United boy sees his future abroad with England.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes said of Mainoo: ‘He’s a big talent. I have seen it in the past. I saw him play for the Under-18’s two or three years ago and I said to a friend who was in Manchester and wanted to see some youth games, I said at the time the name of Kobbie [was one to watch]. We didn’t know he was going to be this talent and this player.’
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