“If Messi or Ronaldo scored that…” – Premier League legend delivers immense Kobbie Mainoo praise

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has heaped praise on Kobbie Mainoo following the midfielder’s recent run of games at Manchester United.

Mainoo, 18, has become a staple of United boss Erik ten Hag’s starting XI’s over the last few months.

First-handed a start against Everton at the end of November, the academy starlet has since gone on to record a further 10 starts in all competitions for the Red Devils.

Seen as ‘one of the first names on the teamsheet‘ by his teammates, Mainoo’s crowning moment came against Wolves on the 1st of this month.

With United, throwing away a two-goal lead, Mainoo would strike in the 97th minute of the match, producing a wonder goal to secure United a 4-3 victory with just moments left in the match.

It was that goal that led former Arsenal and Aston Villa star Paul Merson to heap praise on the United youngster, writing the following in his Sportskeeda column:

“Kobbie Mainoo’s emergence has been a bright spark for Manchester United. The lad was a bit nervous when he first came into the team, but he has really imposed himself in recent weeks and looks like a top-class talent.

“The goal he scored the other day against Wolves was absolutely amazing – if Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo had scored such a goal, you wouldn’t hear the end of it.”

Praise for Mainoo has been a regular occurrence in football since the teenager broke into the United team earlier this season.

With his international future still undecided, both the Ghana FA, as well as England manager Gareth Southgate have talked very highly of Mainoo recently.