Manchester United and England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has shared his deep-seated admiration for four legendary players, including a soft spot for two of them.
Kobbie Mainoo had a breakout emergence at Old Trafford in the 2023-24 Premier League campaign under former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
The 19-year-old United star missed the opening of last season due to a pre-season tour injury in 2023 before establishing himself in the United first team.
Mainoo became a linchpin midfield figure for Erik ten Hag, who was sacked last month, and earned widespread praise for his performances on the pitch.
The Stockport-born player played a key role in United’s campaign last season, including scoring the winner over Manchester City in the FA Cup final back in May.
Mainoo started in all 24 of his Premier League appearances in the 2023-24 season and the England star scored three times and registered a single assist.
Mainoo’s admiration for four players
Kobbie Mainoo’s success story at Old Trafford last season earned the Manchester United player his call-up to the England national team during the March break.
The England international would later play a key role under former Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate during the Euro 2024 campaign in Germany in the summer.
Mainoo has made nine appearances across all competitions for United this season, but the Three Lions star’s season has been disrupted by an injury.
The United midfielder was forced off the pitch late in the second half of the 0-0 Premier League draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park in October.
Speaking to GQ magazine, Mainoo opened up about his career as a footballer and the ways in which he continues to improve as a player.
The England and United midfielder admitted he is a big admirer of Sergio Busquets for the “way he used to turn” and Yaya Toure for the “way he used to play.”
“I like to watch [Sergio] Busquets, the way he used to turn,” Mainoo said.
“Players like [Clarence] Seedorf, [Luka] Modric. Players like Yaya Toure – I like the way he used to play.”
Mainoo on his midfield playing style
Mainoo shared an insight into how he operates as a midfielder and the United star takes full advantage of his awareness of the situation before plotting his next move.
“I don’t think about it too much,” he said.
“It’s more an in-the-moment type of thing. Like if I check [his head owl-pivots over his left shoulder to demonstrate] I see a guy here, then I’ll turn this way.
“Or if I don’t have to do that, I can just bounce out. I don’t think, like, I’m gonna turn here… it’s more that if the defender gives me an option, then I’m gonna take it.”
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