Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has admitted that he would let the “full-backs handle” one player rather than facing him in a one-on-one encounter.
Kobbie Mainoo established himself as a key Manchester United first-team player in the 2023-24 campaign after a breakout season at Old Trafford.
The 19-year-old United talent rose through the ranks of the youth academy and made a name for himself under former Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag.
Mainoo made 35 appearances across all competitions for United last season and he scored five times and registered three assists for the Red Devils.
The Stockport-born player’s stunning run of form led to his senior England call-up back in March, with Mainoo later representing his country at Euro 2024.
Mainoo featured in 24 Premier League matches for United last season after returning from a pre-season injury in 2023, with the England star receiving high praise.
Mainoo singles out AC Milan star
Kobbie Mainoo has made nine appearances across all competitions for Manchester United in the current campaign, but he hasn’t scored or registered a single assist.
The United and England midfielder has missed the Red Devils’ last five matches across all competitions due to a muscle injury.
Mainoo was forced off the pitch late into the second half in the 0-0 draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park in October and has been sidelined since the match.
Speaking to Goal, Mainoo was asked to break his silence the moment he heard the name of one attacker that he would not want to defend against on the pitch.
Mainoo remained tight-lipped for Xavi Simons and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia before eventually reacting to AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.
Speaking on Rafael Leao, Mainoo said: “Yeah, Leao. Rapid. Rapid. Let the full-backs handle that.”
Paul Scholes on Mainoo and Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim will arrive at United at the start of the November international break as Erik ten Hag’s long-term successor at Old Trafford.
Former Ajax boss Ten Hag was axed from Old Trafford last week after the Red Devils’ disappointing start to the 2024-25 Premier League season.
Ruben Amorim has inked a deal with United until June 2027 after the Red Devils triggered his £9.25m release clause in his Sporting CP contract.
Paul Scholes believes that Mainoo could be played in a more advanced role under Sporting CP boss Amorim rather than being deployed in a central position.
“He has then got his two No 10s,” he said on TNT Sports.
“[Bruno] Fernandes is one of them and I actually think Mainoo could be one of them, too. I think he’ll be a better player higher up; it will suit it more.”
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