"He knows how to keep the ball" - Pundit compares breakout Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo to Manchester City rival
Premier League legend Teddy Sheringham has compared Manchester United's midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to Manchester City rival Rodri. The 28-year-old Spanish midfielder is easily one of the best in the world currently, helping City win 11 trophies since arriving from Atletico Madrid in 2019.
Rodri has been a quality player under Pep Guardiola in England, and he has taken his brilliance into EURO 2024, where he has led Spain to the final. Kobbie Mainoo has also helped England reach the final, where both countries will face each other.
Teddy Sheringham has seen similarities between the two players. In a conversation with Online Poker, the former Manchester United striker said about Mainoo (via DAZN):
“Kobbie Mainoo is so smooth for such a young player. You can tell he understands what it takes to play in midfield and the role you need to perform to excel there – like Rodri does for Manchester City. He knows how to keep the ball, which is his main objective when he’s on the pitch and very tough to do, particularly in big games like last night.
“So many players get it wrong when playing in midfield trying to find a difficult pass or taking too many touches, but it’s all about keeping the ball for your team and keeping things ticking over. Mainoo does that beautifully – he’s been brilliant for England and hopefully he can continue that form into Sunday.”
Last season, Kobbie Mainoo made 24 Premier League appearances for Manchester United after bursting into the first team, contributing three goals and one assist.
Manchester United hire two new assistant managers for first-team duties
When Kobbie Mainoo completes national duty with England, he will return to Manchester United to meet two new faces. The Red Devils have notably signed two Dutch coaches Rene Hake and Ruud van Nistelrooy as assistant managers.
Club manager Erik ten Hag has spoken about the duo, revealing his excitement to work with his countrymen, one of who is a club legend. He said to club media:
“I am delighted that Rene and Ruud have agreed to join our project, adding a wealth of experience, knowledge and new energy to the staff. Now is a good time to refresh the coaching team as we look to build on the achievements of the past two years and push to the next level.”
Erik ten Hag will be hoping for an improvement in the club's standing in the Premier League after last season's poor performance. They notably finished in their lowest-ever eighth place but won the FA Cup.