NEWS. . . BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Jamie Carragher admits he is envious that “real superstar” Kobbie Mainoo is betting on Manchester United and not Liverpool.
Mainoo has enjoyed an immediate and remarkable rise this season, betting on England in the recent overseas break after starting their first Premier League in November.
The teenager has an increasingly important member of Erik ten Hag’s squad and has been thrust onto the England pitch after a U-turn by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
Mainoo made his England debut in the 1-0 defeat to Brazil and then inspired in the 2-2 draw against Belgium at Wembley.
Mainoo’s impact was such that many pundits said the 18-year-old would not only feature but start for England at this summer’s European Championships in Germany.
Former England defender Carragher has also been inspired by Mainoo’s progression and insists he would “gladly take” the midfielder from his former club Liverpool.
Asked which Old Trafford player he would like to see play at Anfield, Carragher told The Overlap: “I think I’d stick with young Mainoo.
“His age is the number one reason, I think he looks like a superstar and he might be a real superstar. “
Carragher also asked if Marcus Rashford would be an improvement over Liverpool winger Luis Diaz before confirming Mainoo would be his first choice.
“I’m thinking about who else in the United team plays in his position,” Carragher added.
“Maybe Rashford because for Liverpool this summer, obviously under a new manager, that’s a position you’re considering.
“To a large extent he left because I think [Luis] Diaz is outdated, I don’t think he’s great. So it may just be a position. But I’m thinking of Mainoo in central midfield. Yes, I would pass with him just because of the age factor.
Maidoo’s performances for England have drawn praise from his club manager Erik ten Hag as well as Three Lions manager Southgate.
“I think about it very well, but we’re not surprised,” Ten Hag said. “We’ve noticed what he’s capable of, that he can adapt very temporarily to higher levels.
“It looks very natural. We are very satisfied for him and, of course, a little proud. It’s wonderful for the Manchester United Academy to raise such a young player for the national team.
“It’s a great compliment to the whole club. I think, first of all, for himself, because he did it. “
Mainoo started Manchester United’s second leg against Brentford at the weekend, but it may not have much of an impact as Ten Hag’s side left west London with a 1-1 draw. The Red Devils face Chelsea on Thursday night.
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