Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown believes Kobbie Mainoo is already one of the first names on Erik ten Hag’s team-sheet and expects more from the youngster next season.
It has been a whirlwind 12 months for Mainoo. From breaking into the first team as an 18-year-old prospect and becoming an England international to winning the FA Cup, the Stockport-born midfielder has risen to prominence.
Mainoo started the final 22 Premier League matches of the season and was voted Player of the Match after scoring the winning goal in May’s FA Cup final victory over rivals Man City.
The sky is the limit for Mainoo, who has quickly established himself as one of United’s best players.
“He has been excellent and we’ve seen at such an early stage in his career how mature he can be,” Brown told Manchester World. “He was excellent for England at the Euros.
“He was one of the star players last year [at United] and you can see that confidence there. I think with playing more games comes more experience and at any club you have high expectations, but at Man United it’s probably even higher.
“He seems to use that. He has control and he’s aware of his ability. He is one of the youngest players and is already one of the first names on the team-sheet. He takes full responsibility at such a young age. But I think we’re going to see even better things coming from Kobbie.
“It’s difficult to take him out of the team,” Brown added. “I know at such a young age you don’t want to put pressure on players but he’s shown he thrives under pressure and it doesn’t let it affect him.”
United added another exciting young player to the squad this summer, with Leny Yoro arriving from Lille. The 18-year-old defender will partner Lisandro Martinez in the heart of defence.
Mainoo is currently enjoying his post-Euro 2024 break with a new hairstyle.
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