“Hmm, I’d say Scholes, although there might not be a lot of defending between the two of us,” Kobbie Mainoo stated when asked to identify his ideal midfield partner.
Because of his “passing, movement, intelligence and the way he could finish,” Mainoo chose Scholes from a list of current and former Manchester United players.
The 18-year-old is a very talkative young guy; he grinned as he said that he would love to play with Scholes, but that they would likely be too aggressive as a partnership.
Mainoo is a student of the game, according to those close to him, and he knows that the midfield would be weak with two No. 8s on the field at once, particularly with Bruno Fernandes ahead of them in the offensive midfield position.
In a FIFA video game, a Scholes, Mainoo, and Fernandes midfield would be ideal, but in actuality, that trio would expose the backline. While Fernandes plays up top, Scholes had a knack for finding the back of the net, and Mainoo has the offensive chops to be a No. 8 in the future.
Although Mainoo’s goal-scoring at the academy was often shaky, he has the ability to score goals regularly and has scored a few for the first squad.
Although his goals against Wolves of the Premier League and Newport County of the FA Cup were both outstanding, his strike in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool was really a class act.
Further, Mainoo’s pinpoint precision in unlocking defenses is a major advantage; expecting him to play deep would be a waste of his potential and an incorrect assessment of his profile.
Although he has sometimes played a deeper position this season, Mainoo is not a defensive midfielder and will not be able to assume Casemiro’s spot.
A reliable source recently informed the MEN that Mainoo really enjoys playing alongside Casemiro, since the Brazilian’s meticulous defense allows him to freely take on more forward roles. If United want Mainoo to fulfill his full potential, they need to replace Casemiro this summer and play him in a more advanced midfield position, where he is most effective.
Interestingly, when asked lately which former United player he would recruit, Sir Jim Ratcliffe also mentioned Scholes. To bring in Paul Scholes, I would. The British billionaire spoke confidently about the player’s absence on the Cycling Club podcast.
Their defense is stronger because of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, although Roy Keane is not on the team. They are missing key players like Andrés Iniesta and Scholes.
Ratcliffe has been a lifelong football fan who has backed United since he was a little lad. While he has every right to his opinion, it’s fortunate that he has the finest in the business to make crucial choices instead of himself, since his suggestion that Mainoo is more defensive is just ridiculous.
The 71-year-old’s self-awareness has been refreshing, and he loves football and United. What’s more, he has hired some of the top minds in the business.
Ratcliffe is in charge of United’s necessary reset. As a result of his recommendations, the club’s board of directors will have the upper hand when it comes to deciding on player transfers.
Addressing Casemiro’s future is a top priority this summer, and Mainoo’s development will be accelerated if a world-class player of his caliber can be signed. Despite his inexperience, the teenager is a promising midfielder who deserves a chance to shine.