Gareth Southgate makes prediction for Kobbie Mainoo ahead of Euro 2024

England manager Gareth Southgate has made a prediction in relation to Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo ahead of Euro 2024.

Mainoo, 18, has emerged as a consistent first-team option for United this season after recovering from an injury to make his first appearance in November.

The teenage midfielder has often been at the base of Erik ten Hag’s midfield and displayed his abilities to dictate the play from deep.

However, in recent weeks, Mainoo has been playing more advanced. Casemiro has returned to the side and so the 18-year-old has been able to show how he can impact the game further forward.

He has scored twice in the three games since the Brazilian returned to the lineup. His late winner against Wolves might’ve come after Casemiro was substituted, but the moment came from Mainoo being high and advanced.

This is something that Gareth Southgate believes will become a larger part of Mainoo’s game.

The England manager has suggested that Mainoo could move away from that initial no.6 role which he has played for United and instead use his progressive skills further forward.

“He’s doing brilliantly,” Southgate said. “I’m not certain he’s necessarily going to be a defensive midfielder, as such. He’s quite a progressive player but he’s had a fabulous start to his career and it will be good to monitor him as we go forward.”

Ghana FA have recently stated their intention to try and convince Mainoo to represent the country of his parents.

“The Ghana Football Association is interested in monitoring, attracting, and persuading all eligible talents for its various national teams,” Randy Abbey, a member of the executive council of Ghana FA, told The Times. “Kobbie is definitely one of such incredible talents, and the Association will love to work with him and many like him home and abroad.”

However, reports suggest that Southgate is considering a call-up for the teenager for the upcoming international break in March.