Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo has been making waves in the football world, and teammate Harry Maguire is among his biggest supporters. At just 18 years old, Mainoo’s exceptional performance, particularly noted during the FA Cup match against Liverpool, has not only won him a standing ovation but also a coveted spot in the senior Three Lions squad.
Maguire, a seasoned defender with over 60 caps for England, sees Mainoo as a beacon of talent akin to Jude Bellingham. Despite Mainoo’s recent entry into the Premier League’s starting lineup, his impact has been undeniable. Maguire’s confidence in the young midfielder is unwavering, as he believes Mainoo is ready to take on the challenge of the Euros in Germany, unfazed by the grandeur of the tournament.
As Mainoo prepares to potentially join England’s squad for the Euros, it’s clear that his journey is just beginning, and the support from a ‘big brother’ figure like Maguire only solidifies his promising future in the sport.
“I don’t see why not,” said Maguire. “To play at a major tournament, obviously, it’s big to have experience but also the young boys do come in and sometimes they play with no fear and they can excel in that way.
”I don’t have any concerns whatsoever. It’s incredible he’s (only) 18, he’s so mature. He’s a bit like Jude was when he was a young boy. He’s got a mature head on his shoulders. I had no concerns.
“I see day in, day out his ability in training. He just wants to work hard and do well. I congratulated him, said he deserved it, keep it up, and make sure he enjoys himself.
“He’s got everything, he can handle the ball brilliantly. He’s really strong, powerful, and you can see the progression to play that role, especially for Manchester United.
“Listen, we have a lot of good centre-mids in this country at the moment, a lot of players who have been there and done it, and shown that they can do it in the big, major tournaments. He’ll keep working hard, I’m sure he will, because he’s a great lad. It’s exciting times for him and his family. We will see where it goes.”
The 31-year-old added: “I told him if he needs anything just to ask me, give me a text, about anything, schedule, he thoroughly deserves it. He has been excellent for us this season.
“A role and responsibility for the senior players at Manchester United is to bring through academy players. The club is always built on giving opportunities to young boys, we have numerous of them training with us a lot, we try and make them feel welcome.
“And that’s a big role and responsibility of the senior players, and we have done that to Kobbie. It’s important he feels welcome, he feels comfortable, even coming into this group with England it is really important he feels welcome.”