“Absolutely ridiculous” – Man United legend enquired about young star after ‘wow’ performances

Manchester United legend Andy Cole admits he enquired about midfielder Kobbie Mainoo after his performances during the pre-season tour this summer.

Mainoo, 17, was one of the brightest sparks in Erik ten Hag’s squad in the opening games but fell to an unfortunate injury in the opening minutes against Real Madrid.

Having started the fourth game in a row, alongside the stronger side, was an example of how much the manager rates him and his return could be coming soon now.

Andy Cole, a man who knows all about how talented you need to be to make it at Old Trafford, admitted that he was asking those inside the club in the summer about United’s plans for Mainoo in the upcoming campaign.

“I watched him in pre-season and I wasn’t the only person to think ‘wow.’ The way the kid was playing was absolutely ridiculous and I asked one of the club’s hierarchy about what Kobbie’s going to do this season and they told me that he wasn’t going to be loaned out as the manager really likes him and I can see why,” he revealed to BetFred.

“He has everything in abundance. It was a bit of a sickener to see him get injured against Real Madrid but I believe if he keeps going the way he’s going, then he’ll have a big future at Manchester United.”

The former striker also claimed that the club could end up saving £100 million, with the teenager fitting the mold of players such as Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo, who have been transferred for staggering amounts this summer.

Mainoo played as the deepest player in a midfield three during his pre-season outings, however, Ten Hag believes he can also play as the no.8 alongside Casemiro.

“I know, at this moment, he’s not there, but Kobbie Mainoo, we have seen him against Arsenal [in pre-season], he is ready to also pick that role,” he told journalists.

Sofyan Amrabat could also come into play in the position that the Brazilian occupies, or the one alongside him. He has, however, pulled out of international duty with Morocco with an unknown injury.

With Mason Mount also out, when Ten Hag eventually has all of his midfielders fit and available, he will have a solid amount of options to choose from in order to get the best midfield for each game.