“Erik Ten Hag couldn’t even wait to announce the young because of how talented he is, Even more talented than Kobbie Mainoo and he is looking forward to play our next Match”-Manchester United have found their next Paul Pogba in the academy

“Erik Ten Hag couldn’t even wait to announce the young because of how talented he is, Even more talented than Kobbie Mainoo and he is looking forward to play our next Match”-Manchester United have found their next Paul Pogba in the academy

Manchester United’s rising star, Kobbie Mainoo, is garnering attention for his exceptional progress on the field, with many drawing comparisons between him and the likes of Paul Pogba. While comparisons between established players and budding talents can sometimes be challenging, they’re inevitable in the world of football. Mainoo’s recent performance for Manchester United’s Under-21s against Salford City in October further fueled these comparisons. With two assists and a display of sublime passing under the floodlights, Mainoo’s style of play drew parallels to that of Pogba. The Manchester Evening News noted in their match report that “the midfielder has outgrown academy football, and his talent is needed in the first team.”

Carefully managed after his return from injury, Mainoo gradually found himself featuring more prominently for the Under-21s, but it was only a matter of time before he caught the eye of first-team manager Erik ten Hag. At just 18 years old, Mainoo has made significant strides this season, cementing his place as one of the first names on the team sheet—a testament to his burgeoning talent and dedication.

Predictions abound about Mainoo’s future, with some confidently suggesting he could represent England in the upcoming European Championship, despite having made only a handful of appearances for United. His rapid progress has drawn comparisons to Pogba’s emergence from the club’s academy in the late 2000s, signaling the potential for Mainoo to become a world-class talent.

While Pogba’s journey at Manchester United had its ups and downs, Mainoo’s trajectory appears to be on a steady incline. Unlike Pogba, who departed on a free transfer before returning in 2016, Mainoo’s future at the club seems more assured, with discussions already circulating about building the team around him.

Described as quiet, likable, and grounded by his parents, Mainoo presents a stark contrast to the character issues that plagued Pogba during his time at United. His focus on the pitch is evident, with coaches and observers alike praising his temperament and talent. Though primarily deployed as a deep-lying midfielder, there are suggestions that his long-term position could evolve into a No. 8 role, with an emphasis on adding goals to his game—a facet he’s already shown improvement in with recent standout performances.

Mainoo’s match-winning goal against Wolves was lauded as a moment of individual brilliance, with accolades pouring in from teammates and coaches alike. Erik ten Hag, known for his adeptness at nurturing talent, has been instrumental in Mainoo’s development, pushing him to be more dominant on the field while acknowledging his progress from game to game.

In interviews, ten Hag has expressed optimism about Mainoo’s future, emphasizing the importance of the young midfielder maintaining his calm demeanor and determination. With the right guidance and support, Mainoo has the potential to follow in the footsteps of past greats and etch his name in Manchester United’s storied history. As he continues to hone his skills under the tutelage of Erik ten Hag, the footballing world eagerly awaits the next chapter in Kobbie Mainoo’s promising career.