Victor Lindelof has some seriously high praise for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
Despite being just 18 years old, Mainoo is now one of the first names on the first-team squad team sheet for Erik ten Hag.
Alongside Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund, he really does epitomise the bright future of Manchester United.
Fans already adore him, and evidently, his teammates do too. Lindelof has an insane amount of praise for the academy graduate.
Victor Lindelof has high praise for Kobbie Mainoo
Speaking in an interview with Manchester United’s media team, Lindelof spoke about just how impressed he’s been with the young midfielder since coming into the frame at Old Trafford.
“He’s a fantastic player and a very, very smart young player,” explains the Swede. “You know, he’s got the right mentality and the same there – I think the best thing for him is just stay calm and, you know, listen to obviously the older players and try to learn as much as possible and pick up a few things. But then as well, just be yourself and express yourself on the pitch.
“That’s the most important thing. And that’s why he’s at this stage as well, because he’s done that throughout his career so far, and I think it’s super important as well to just let him develop naturally.
“Obviously, he’s very, very young, but if he can just keep doing the things he’s doing on the pitch right now, I think he’s going to be a fantastic, fantastic player in the future as well.”
Asked if he understands why fans are excited about the 18-year-old, Lindelof replies: “Yeah, most definitely.
“He’s been great in every game he’s played in and he’s very mature for his age as well, in his decision-making on the pitch, when to speed up the game, when to slow down and when to take on a player or not. So he’s very, very, very smart and sort of experienced for a youngster.”
Mainoo is destined for the top, but United must proceed with caution
Like so many have done before him, Manchester United have yet another supremely talented academy graduate. However, they simply have to remember – he’s still just a kid.
At just 18, the pressure of playing for arguably the biggest club in the world must be immense. United need to make sure Mainoo doesn’t burn out, as he could definitely follow in the footsteps of some of the greats around Carrington.
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