Manchester United will come up against Fulham this weekend, and now their captain has had his say on Kobbie Mainoo.
This weekend sees Manchester United welcome Fulham to Old Trafford as the Reds search for a fifth successive Premier League win.
With that win, there’s also a huge chance that the gap to either Aston Villa or Spurs or maybe even both can be closed further.
Ahead of the game though, Fulham captain Tom Cairney has discussed his views on United’s midfield maestro, Kobbie Mainoo.
Tom Cairney lauds Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo
Speaking on the Footballers Football Podcast, Cairney was asked his thoughts on the Premier League’s most impressive young midfielder, Mainoo.
“I think I’m mostly impressed by his brain, like his game understanding… is beyond his years a little bit what is he 18, 19?
“Yeah so like the way he plays football to go next to Casemiro who’s won the Champions League [five] times, and just [say to him] give me it back, at 18, it’s brave you know, serious bravery so that’s been the most impressive thing about him.”
Cairney then added that he isn’t scared of Mainoo’s physical qualities but his brain is top-tier.
“I wouldn’t say he’s an amazing runner or very athletic but he’s got a tremendous footballing brain on him.”
Cairney has left himself open to some serious Mainoo-inflicted embarrassment
With both players involved here in the midfield, Saturday will inevitably see them come head-to-head. Here Cairney could come to regret his verdict on Mainoo’s athleticism.
This is because last week saw Mainoo run with the ball more than ever before as he completed six dribbles – as per FotMob – dominating the Luton midfield with his athleticism.
If this happens again, we imagine Cairney could be taking his words on Mainoo’s athleticism back on next week’s episode of the podcast.
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