Kobbie Mainoo continues to shine for club and country with the Manchester United talent one of few shining lights for England this summer.
The excitement around Kobbie Mainoo started to build last summer.
The Manchester United talent showed promise in pre-season and forced his way into Erik ten Hag’s Premier League plans.
No matter what was asked of him, Mainoo took it in his stride; Premier League games, Champions League games, big derbies, knockout games, cup finals.
Mainoo saw it all in his first season as a first-team regular at Old Trafford and has now landed a spot in the England setup.
Called up for Euro 2024 after just a handful of caps, Mainoo has now been brought in to steady the ship in England’s engine room.
Rio Ferdinand on Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher were picked to start alongside Declan Rice in England’s midfield, but neither really impressed.
Gareth Southgate then turned to Mainoo and the United talent provided a real spark for England.
Mainoo drove England forward in 45 minutes against Slovenia before turning in a strong display against Slovakia too.
The United talent is going from strength to strength and has surely done enough to start against Switzerland in the quarter-finals this weekend.
Pundit Rio Ferdinand has now taken to social media to discuss Mainoo as England prepare for that major knockout clash.
England will reportedly switch to a 3-4-2-1 system against Switzerland with Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham behind Harry Kane.
The current predicted lineup shows Mainoo alongside Rice in midfield, keeping his place after Sunday’s dramatic win over Slovakia.
Ferdinand suggested that he would be heading straight home from Germany – on foot – if Mainoo isn’t in the England XI this weekend.
Ferdinand feels that Mainoo simply ‘has to’ start for England, putting his faith in the United talent to shine on the big stage.
Mainoo faces big task
The United talent knows all about big games and big opponents.
Just look at the FA Cup final; Mainoo was coming up against Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva.
They are experienced, top-level performers and Mainoo not only didn’t look out of place, but got on the scoresheet in a memorable United win.
Mainoo does though face a big task against Switzerland, who have impressed with their midfield control at Euro 2024.
Remo Freuler is an energetic runner in midfield and Granit Xhaka has been controlling games with his composure and passing range in this tournament.
Mainoo and Rice must be on top form against Switzerland but the United talent has surely done enough to earn Southgate’s trust on the big stage.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/VG3FAsl