“Just enjoy him…” Dimitar Berbatov warns Man United supporters over summer demand

Many Manchester United fans have demanded that Gareth Southgate include Kobbie Mainoo in the England team for Euro 2024 this summer.

Mainoo, 18, has been the breakout star for United this season after his integration into Erik ten Hag’s side back in November.

The talented midfielder has now started nine Premier League games and scored a crucial last-minute winner against Wolves last week.

With Mainoo’s elegance on the ball mixed with a solid out-of-possession approach, it has been no surprise that he has been touted for a potential England call-up for the Euro 2024 squad.

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Gareth Southgate’s midfield could do with the attributes of Mainoo alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham. However, Dimitar Berbatov has warned supporters to wane expectations of the teenager and allow him to focus on solidifying his position at Old Trafford first.

“It’s exciting to watch players like Mainoo, especially when they have such huge talent, but one step at a time,” Berbatov told Betfair. “Don’t jump when you need to walk first.

“Let’s not get carried away and start talking about Mainoo getting picked by Gareth Southgate and going to this summer’s Euros with England.

“Obviously, Ten Hag trusts Mainoo and knows how to manage him, so everything else will follow in time. We need to just enjoy what’s happening now and not get carried away just yet. Let Mainoo play.”

Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho recently helped United retake their lead in terms of the Premier League’s top goalscoring team by teenagers. They have 104 goals from teens, with Liverpool in second place with 101 goals.

“Sometimes we’re too quick to judge players,” Berbatov continued. “For good or for bad. Just let Mainoo play and don’t put too much pressure on his shoulders – he’s too young for that now.

“He’s doing great, so we need to just let him be, let him play and let him enjoy himself. The goal he scored against Wolves was great because it shows that he’s mature beyond his years. He had the courage to try something different in the last minute of the game and it was a special moment.

“Mainoo is a special player, but as with every 18-year-old, we must just let them play because, at the moment, Kobbie is just enjoying football in its purest form, and that’s what I like to see.”