Mainoo, after experiencing a lack of playing time under Rúben Amorim, has re-established himself under Carrick.
By Kehinde Okeowo
English pundit and former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has asserted that Kobbie Mainoo has what it takes to become one of the best players in the world, saying, “I think he’s gonna be a superstar.”
The former England star made this known on Thursday night while analysing the Red Devils’ win over newcomers Sabah in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) on TNT Sports.
After returning to Europe’s elite competition for the first time since 2023, United secured a decisive victory after thrashing the Azerbaijani outfit 4-0 at Old Trafford.
Matheus Cunha opened the scoring after 27 minutes, followed by rapid goals from Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Šeško, which placed Michael Carrick’s team firmly in control by half-time.
Lisandro Martínez then capitalised on a goalkeeping error to score United’s fourth goal in the second half, allowing the Manchester club to enjoy a comfortable home victory.
However, with a derby match against Manchester City scheduled for Sunday, Carrick made several adjustments to his lineup for the Champions League, but retained his preferred midfield pairing of Youri Tielemans and Mainoo.
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After experiencing a decline in playing time under Rúben Amorim, the United academy product flourished in the latter part of last season, helping Carrick’s men climb back into the top four.
Speaking about Mainoo following the UCL encounter against Sabah, Hargreaves asserted that the midfielder has the potential to develop into a central figure at United in the future.
He said: “I’ve never seen Kobbie play badly. Every time I watch him play football, I think, ‘How can somebody not play this young man?’
“I just think he’s a fabulous football player. Academy-grown, didn’t cost the club a pound, and when you think about some of the fees that these players are going for…
“What would Kobbie be worth? He’s worth more than them all. No disrespect to any of them, but I just love his game. I think Kobbie can kind of do everything in there.
“He’s a star. I think he’s gonna be a superstar.”
