Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane believes Kobbie Mainoo could be part of England’s plans for Euro 2024.
The European Championships will take place in Germany this summer, but Mainoo has only been included in the Three Lions squad for the very first time ahead of their upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Mainoo, 18, still has a lot to prove to make Gareth Southgate’s squad later this year but he is already being tipped to complete England’s midfield for Euro 2024.
Speaking to the Stick to Football podcast, Keane said: “Well, the timing could be right – he is lucky in terms of the timing because obviously (Kalvin) Phillips is having a difficult time and Jordan Henderson is getting a bit older. So, maybe that timing, and the best thing is when you get a player into your camp as you know at international football – okay he is doing well at United but have a look at him closely with the other international players. We have all done that. When Wayne (Rooney) came through – you look at a young player when you get to see him close up you go ‘I like what I see’. It could happen.”
Keane compares Kobbie Mainoo to Nicky Butt
Keane also stated that Mainoo is at the level Paul Scholes was during the first months of his career but that he disagrees with comparisons to our very own ginger prince, instead suggesting that the youngster is more of the ilk of Nicky Butt.
“I’d say that Kobbie Mainoo compares more to Nicky Butt than Paul Scholes,” Keane added. “But that’s because Scholes played further forward when he first joined Manchester United.
“What makes these young players successful is their personalities and their temperament, so I would put Mainoo on par with Butt and Scholes in their first three months at the club.
“It’s all about how players settle into the first team and how they cope with the challenges, playing at Old Trafford, but from what I’ve seen, Mainoo looks great, but he’s got lots to learn in that position.”
Let us know your thoughts on Mainoo potentially going to Euro 2024 in the comments section.
Subscribe to the Stretty News podcast Strettycast for weekly episodes on Manchester United. You can also sign up to the ad-free Stretty Newsletter. Get the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
More must-reads: