Paul Scholes believes Kobbie Mainoo still has a major part to play in Manchester United’s midfield despite the competition that has arrived at the club this summer.
Kobbie Mainoo broke into the first team in 2023 and quickly became a regular under Erik ten Hag. His progress slowed last season, though, as he spent a spell out of favour and missed a sizeable amount of football.
Paul Scholes still sees enough in the 21-year-old to believe he can become an important figure for Manchester United for years to come.
Scholes backs Kobbie Mainoo to become midfield leader
Speaking in a video with SPORTbible, Paul Scholes pointed to Mainoo’s age and the lack of consistent football he had last season.
“I think he is capable of being the future of the midfield. Look, he’s going to get better, he’s still a young kid and missed a lot of football because he’d been out of favour.
“When he did play last year, look, he was all right, but he’d missed a lot of football, so it’s always going to take him a little bit of time. But I think if he gets the right partner next to him, I’ve no doubt the ability is there.”
Manchester United have certainly given Michael Carrick more choices in midfield over the summer. Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba have all arrived, creating plenty of competition for places.
That could make Mainoo’s route into the starting XI more difficult, but Scholes’ point is that the midfielder’s ability has never been the main concern. Finding the right partner alongside him could be just as important.
Paul Scholes has previously voiced that he wants to see the best United midfield of Carlos Baleba, Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.
Mainoo finally got his first start of the season in the 5-2 win over Ipswich Town. He also received strong praise from Michael Carrick after the match. Although Bruno Fernandes ended up with a hat-trick and stole the show, Kobbie Mainoo was instrumental in the win.
Nicky Butt wants more from Kobbie Mainoo
Former United midfielder Nicky Butt also believes Mainoo should be playing, although he feels there are still areas that need work.
“I love Kobbie because of what we know about him, again, through the youth teams and his talent that he’s got.
“He just doesn’t seem to be getting a chance of a big, long run.
“He did with Michael at the end of the season, towards the end, and quieted down people that were going against him a little bit, but I still think he needs to do more.
“He needs to contribute more goal-scoring, and he also needs to be able to get around the pitch a bit better.
“But I do think he should be playing at the start of this season.”
Nicky Butt likes what Mainoo brings, but wants to see greater output in front of goal and more ground covered during games.
Mainoo has at least made his first start of the new campaign in the Premier League and has two experienced former United midfielders backing him to have a future at Old Trafford. The challenge is turning what Scholes and Butt said into performances week in week out.
