Man United legend makes big Kobbie Mainoo statement before offering important advice

Manchester United legend Andy Cole has stated that he believes Kobbie Mainoo could become one of the best midfielders in world football.

Mainoo, 18, has already made 15 starts for Erik ten Hag’s United team, becoming a regular in the Dutch manager’s Premier League squad.

As well as his frequent appearances in the FA Cup and Premier League, Mainoo has also picked up European experience playing against Champions League opposition in Galatasaray and Bayern Munich.

With the world seemingly at Mainoo’s feet, former United striker Cole, a key part of the ’99 treble winners, has stated that he believes that Mainoo could become one of the best midfielders in the world.

“If he keeps going the way he’s going, then why not?” Cole told Betfred. “He doesn’t look phased, and on the ball, he’s extremely confident. He knows his job very well for such a young man.

“He covers the space nicely, he’s strong, and to me, he looks as if he’s a very ambitious young man. I certainly think he has all the ingredients and the qualities to go all the way, but he could be one of the many players we’ve seen who have had that quality early doors and not fulfilled their talent, so I’m really hoping that Kobbie fulfils his.

“Watching him at the moment in Manchester United’s midfield, he looks like their best player, and he’s only 18 years of age, so that’s a testament to him.”

Despite believing that Mainoo may become one of the best in his position, Cole did admit that it may be too soon for the talented young Englishman to join up with Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.

“I think Kobbie has been absolutely unbelievable,” continued Cole. “He was like that in pre-season, and as soon as he got himself fit, he won a place in the starting eleven, and he’s been fantastic.

“However, we shouldn’t be trying to push him on too quickly. We have seen that before, where England have taken certain players to tournaments only not to use them, and you ask yourself, what’s the point in that? Those players may as well have had a nice summer holiday off and had more preparation for the new season.

“If he didn’t go, that wouldn’t surprise me because England already has a few players in that position already, but he has been absolutely outstanding for Manchester United, especially when you consider how young he is.

“Right now, I think he needs to keep his feet on the ground and continue to improve. If he keeps playing the way he’s playing, he’ll be a central-midfielder for Manchester United for many, many years to come because I think his attitude and application is bang on.”

Despite having yet to make a single appearance for the England national team, Mainoo is believed to be very much on the radar of England manager Gareth Southgate.