Roy Keane’s comparison of Kobbie Mainoo to a former Manchester United teammate is a significant endorsement of the young player’s talent and potential. Mainoo’s impact at Old Trafford has been substantial, earning him a regular spot in Erik ten Hag’s team and catching the attention of England manager Gareth Southgate, who has included him in the national squad for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. With 20 senior appearances this season, Mainoo’s prospects at Manchester United appear very promising. Keane’s recognition only adds to the growing expectation surrounding Mainoo’s future contributions to the club and country.
Former Red Devils midfielder Roy Keane certainly seems to think so, and he went as far as to compare the youngster to one of his former United teammates.
“I’d say that Kobbie Mainoo compares more to Nicky Butt than Paul Scholes, but that’s because Scholes played further forward when he first joined Manchester United,” Keane said on the podcast
“What makes these young players successful is their personalities and their temperament, so I would put Mainoo on par with Butt and Scholes in their first three months at the club.
“It’s all about how players settle into the first team and how they cope with the challenges, playing at Old Trafford, but from what I’ve seen, Mainoo looks great, but he’s got lots to learn in that position.”
Roy Keane’s commendation indeed speaks volumes, given Nicky Butt’s illustrious career. As a pivotal member of Manchester United’s revered ‘Class of ‘92’, Butt’s contributions were instrumental in the club’s dominance of English football, culminating in the historic treble win in 1999. His 12-year tenure with United’s first team and subsequent six years at Newcastle United underscore his enduring impact on the sport. Internationally, Butt’s 39 appearances for England, including participation in the 2002 World Cup, further attest to his significant role in English football history. Keane’s comparison, therefore, places Kobbie Mainoo in esteemed company, suggesting a bright future for the young talent.