Paul Scholes compares Kobbie Mainoo to legendary player he once named as his hardest-ever opponent
Paul Scholes has lavished praise on Kobbie Mainoo, likening him to one of football’s greatest players.Mainoo’s 2023/24 season began on a sour note as he sustained an injury during United’s pre-season tour in the United States.
However, the 19-year-old returned to the first team in November and has since emerged as one of United’s top performers.
He scored the decisive goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Due to his impressive performances, Mainoo secured a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.
During the tournament in Germany, Mainoo started in the final against Spain, which ended in disappointment as the Three Lions were defeated 2-1.
As the new season approaches, Mainoo is expected to play a significant role, and United legend Scholes has lauded the youngster by comparing him to France legend Zinedine Zidane.
Former midfielder Scholes once described Zidane as his toughest opponent.
According to The Guardian, Scholes said: “He’s the closest I’ve seen to [Zinedine] Zidane in terms of taking the ball, receiving the ball, gliding past people.
“I heard there was a young lad who was holding his own against Casemiro in training, sometimes even outperforming him.”
Scholes continued: “But you have to prove it on the pitch. The first time I saw him, I noticed that calmness. The way he received the ball with such confidence; I was amazed that such a young player could do that.
“That level of calmness didn’t come to me as quickly as it did for Kobbie. It probably took five or six years into my career. That’s what impresses me. He’s so composed, the game seems so effortless to him. It’s almost like poetry in motion. That calmness will be crucial throughout his career. It’s [something] innate.
“The potential for this lad is limitless if he remains grounded. And he seems like the type who will stay level-headed.” As for how Mainoo can improve, Scholes suggested: “He could probably win more games for his team.
“We’ve seen midfielders over the years who, by scoring goals, win games. [Steven] Gerrard and [Frank] Lampard, those kinds of players. With his attributes, he can become a match-winner for United. A bit more consistently.”
Paul Scholes has heaped praise on Manchester United’s young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, drawing comparisons between the 19-year-old and French football legend Zinedine Zidane. Mainoo’s 2023/24 season had a rocky start due to an injury during United’s pre-season tour in the United States, but he made a remarkable comeback to the first team in November. Since then, he has become one of the club’s standout performers, notably scoring the decisive goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Mainoo’s impressive form earned him a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024, where he featured in the final against Spain, though England suffered a 2-1 defeat. As the new season approaches, Mainoo is expected to play a key role for United.
Scholes, who once described Zidane as his toughest opponent, spoke highly of Mainoo, likening his style to that of Zidane, particularly in how he handles the ball, glides past opponents, and remains composed under pressure. Scholes was particularly impressed with Mainoo’s calmness on the ball, a quality that took the former United midfielder years to develop.
Scholes believes Mainoo’s potential is limitless if he stays grounded and focused. He also suggested that Mainoo could further improve by becoming more of a match-winner for United, citing the impact of goal-scoring midfielders like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
