- Roy Keane makes surprise Kobbie Mainoo comment
- Not convinced by the midfielder
- Unsure if the midfielder should start matches next season
Kobbie Mainoo put an end to the exit talks by penning a new contract with Manchester United until 2031 this week and then bagged the winner in a 3-2 win over Liverpool. But Roy Keane is unsure whether he should start matches next season.
The midfielder has been highly rated by the club despite his tough time under Ruben Amorim, when he was not getting chances in the starting XI. There were several clubs interested in signing him in the January transfer window, but the sacking of the Portuguese manager changed the English youngster’s fortunes.
The 21-year-old star has started all but one of the 13 matches under Michael Carrick, including yesterday’s win over Liverpool at Old Trafford. He has proved to be a key figure and earned praise from the manager after his recent performance against Chelsea.
Roy Keane Not Convinced by Kobbie Mainoo
Keane appeared on Sky Sports ahead of the Liverpool clash at Old Trafford, and spoke about Mainoo. The legendary former United midfielder boldly claimed that while he is talented, he was not ready to start matches regularly.
“I’m not convinced yet. He has talent and he’s still young, but I think he needs to do even more.”
Keane added that the Englishman need to improve ‘a bit of everything’ to be a regular at Manchester United. His comments would come back to bite him as Mainoo put in a man-of-the-match performance against Arne Slot’s Reds to seal Champions League qualification.
Keane Previously Defended Amorim’s Mainoo Treatment
Keane was furious with Mainoo’s brother earlier this season after his ‘Free Mainoo’ t-shirt antics at Old Trafford. The midfielder’s family were unhappy with his chances under Amorim, and the Irish legend branded the brother an idiot.
He claimed that there was nothing wrong with the manager benching a 20-year-old and urged the youngster to go out on loan if he wanted to play regularly.
“He’s 20 years of age, what’s wrong with sitting and learning your trade? And even if he’s not getting a chance, we’ve all had to do it. Sometimes a manager is on your case and what you have to do is prove them wrong. Every day is your chance to prove yourself to the manager. He’s got to get that in his mindset. The life of a footballer is about trying to prove people wrong.”
He added:
“I have no problem players going out on loan, it can work for everybody, but sometimes as a player, your biggest challenge is here at Man United and getting into that first-team. Even if the manager is saying ‘you’re not going to get in over Bruno,’ prove them wrong!”
United are in the market for midfielders this summer, with Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte also set for an exit. But it seems likely that Mainoo will be a starter, especially if Michael Carrick is appointed permanent head coach.
