“He doesn’t fully understand the position" - Graeme Souness critical of Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo's performances at Euro 2024
Former Liverpool captain Graeme Souness has criticized Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo's performances for England at Euro 2024. The 19-year-old, who made his senior international debut this year, played six matches in the continental tournament. Although he maintained a 92.5 percent pass accuracy, he didn't have any goal contribution.
On the Up Front podcast with Simon Jordan and Troy Deeney, Souness stated Mainoo "wanders" on the pitch and said:
“He doesn’t fully understand the position – I think he wanders. He empties the middle of the field too readily. I watched him against Iceland and he was getting thrown to the left and thrown to the right."
"He came on as a substitute when holding onto a 1-0 lead [against Serbia] and the first thing he did was chase down the goalkeeper and try to put him under pressure. It’s naivety,” added the former Scottish star.
Following England's 2-1 win against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-finals on July 10, the Three Lions head coach Gareth Southgate praised Mainoo and said (via @centregoals):
"All of his performances have been exceptional."
Kobbie Mainoo, who made his senior debut for Manchester United in 2023, recorded five goals and three assists in 35 appearances across competitions last season.
Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo's post on social media after England's Euro 2024 final loss
Following England's 2-1 loss against Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday, July 14, Kobbie Mainoo posted a picture of himself on social media addressing the defeat. He wrote:
"Devastated to fall short but proud and grateful to compete in my first major international tournament for my country. We will be back. 🙏🏾"
Mainoo's Manchester United teammate and captain Bruno Fernandes encouraged the 19-year-old and commented on the post:
"What’s yours will come to you and a bright future is waiting for you ❤️"
After starting against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-finals, Kobbie Mainoo became England’s youngest player ever to play in the semi-finals of a major international tournament.