Anthony Elanga once likened Kobbie Mainoo to Paul Pogba with the teenager’s stellar Premier League performances since breaking into the Manchester United first-team proof of his ‘extraordinary’ talents.
When the former Red Devils winger made those comparisons between Kobbie Mainoo and Paul Pogba last year – the former sharing ‘similar attributes’ with the World Cup-winning Frenchman – Manchester United’s rising star still had not made his competitive, first-team debut.
It’s testament, then, to the extend and the immediacy of Mainoo’s impact under Erik ten Hag that – despite only making his maiden senior appearance at the end of November – the Carrington graduate is already closing in on 20 games in United colours.
Mainoo has been one of the first names on Ten Hag’s team sheet since that midfield masterclass at Goodison Park, with Elanga’s belief in the Stockport-born schemer more than justified.
Kobbie Mainoo ‘extraordinary’ at Manchester United
“He’s an extraordinary player and a great guy. There are no limits for him,” Elanga now tells The Times.
“I’m not surprised (to see him make such an impact). He plays the same way as he did at the academy. Of course, he had to adapt, but he still has the same style of play.”
Unruffled, unhurried, and often unbelievable, Mainoo’s poise and composure is in stark contrast to his more experienced Manchester United team-mates.
If Ten Hag is to survive the first summer of Ineos ownership and transform a team lacking the technical qualities to thrive in his preferred possession-based football, then expect Mainoo to become one of the players the Dutchman builds his long-term Red Devils blueprint around.
United face Nottingham Forest in FA Cup
Mainoo could go head to head with Elanga during Wednesday’s FA Cup fifth round clash at the City Ground.
United lost in the East Midlands in December but cruised past Forest 5-0 on aggregate last season on route to the Carabao Cup final.
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