Kobbie Mainoo made a strong impression as Manchester United marked their return to the Champions League with a 4-0 victory over tournament debutants Sabah at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Key Highlights
- Kobbie Mainoo impressed in Manchester United's 4-0 Champions League win over Sabah.
- Owen Hargreaves believes Mainoo is worth more than United's recent midfield signings.
- The former midfielder backed the 21-year-old academy graduate to become a superstar.
- Mainoo now faces a major test against Manchester City in Sunday's derby.
Hargreaves Hails Mainoo's Priceless Quality
Manager Michael Carrick continued to show faith in Mainoo alongside Youri Tielemans in midfield, and the 21-year-old rewarded that trust with another composed display. After falling out of favour under former boss Ruben Amorim, Mainoo has quickly become an important part of Carrick’s plans.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves was full of praise for Mainoo's performance and consistency. Hargreaves said he had never seen Mainoo play badly and questioned why the midfielder had previously struggled to earn regular opportunities.
He also highlighted the value of having an academy graduate who came through the club without a transfer fee, especially when compared with the huge sums being spent on midfielders across the Premier League.
United have reportedly spent £85 million combined on Santos and Tielemans, while Carlos Baleba cost around £70m. Hargreaves believes Mainoo could be worth even more based on his ability and potential.
Mainoo Backed to Become a Manchester United Superstar
Hargreaves also pointed to Mainoo's technical ability and composure under pressure, qualities he believes make the midfielder particularly suited to Manchester United. The former England international praised Mainoo's ability to receive the ball in difficult situations, carry possession and remain calm regardless of the pressure around him.
With Bruno Fernandes operating further forward, Hargreaves believes Mainoo can play either as a six or an eight and become one of the players United build their midfield around. At just 21 years old, Mainoo already plays with the composure of a much more experienced midfielder, according to Hargreaves.
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Carrick's Faith in Mainoo Continues to Pay Off
Mainoo's latest performance is another positive sign for Carrick, who has continued to trust the academy graduate after his difficult spell under Amorim. The manager once again paired him with Tielemans against Sabah, giving Mainoo the responsibility of helping control the midfield on United's return to Europe's elite competition.
With Mainoo growing in confidence under Carrick, the midfielder now has an opportunity to establish himself as a key figure in United's plans.
Mainoo Faces Major Manchester Derby Test
United's attention now turns to a much tougher challenge, with Manchester City visiting Old Trafford for Sunday's Premier League derby.
Mainoo's composure will be particularly important against City's midfield, and another assured performance would further strengthen his case as one of Carrick's most trusted players. After making an impressive start to United's Champions League return, Mainoo now has the chance to make his mark in one of the biggest fixtures of the season.
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