Paul Scholes believes Kobbie Mainoo needs a more suitable midfield partner at Manchester United to reach his full potential, highlighting the need for a player who provides defensive stability and allows Mainoo to focus on his attacking strengths.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has voiced his concern that Kobbie Mainoo, the promising young midfielder, is currently lacking the ideal partner in the center of the pitch to truly flourish for the Red Devils. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, Scholes highlighted the need for a more established and complementary midfielder alongside Mainoo to unlock his full potential.
Mainoo has quickly become a fan favorite at Old Trafford, showcasing impressive technical skills, vision, and composure beyond his years. His performances have injected a much-needed energy and creativity into United’s midfield. However, Scholes believes that without the right support system, Mainoo’s impact could be limited.
“Kobbie Mainoo is a fantastic talent, there’s no doubt about that,” Scholes stated. “But he needs someone next to him who can really complement his game. Someone who can do the dirty work, win the tackles, and allow him the freedom to express himself.”
Scholes didn’t explicitly name who he believes would be the perfect partner for Mainoo, but his comments suggest a desire for a more experienced and physically robust midfielder. He emphasized the importance of a player who can provide defensive stability and allow Mainoo to focus on his attacking contributions.
The current midfield options at Manchester United include players like Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Bruno Fernandes. While each player possesses unique qualities, Scholes’s remarks imply that none currently provide the ideal balance alongside Mainoo. Casemiro, while a proven winner, may lack the mobility to fully cover for Mainoo’s forward runs. Eriksen, though technically gifted, may not offer the same level of defensive protection. Fernandes, primarily an attacking midfielder, often occupies similar spaces on the pitch as Mainoo.
This assessment comes at a crucial time for Manchester United, as they continue to rebuild under Erik ten Hag. The midfield has been an area of concern for several seasons, and finding the right combination of players is vital to achieving consistent success. The club may need to consider strengthening their midfield options in the upcoming transfer windows to provide Mainoo with the support he needs to thrive.
Scholes’s analysis is particularly insightful given his own illustrious career as a central midfielder for Manchester United. He was renowned for his passing range, vision, and ability to dictate the tempo of games. His understanding of what it takes to succeed in that position is highly respected within the footballing world.
The debate over Mainoo’s ideal midfield partner is likely to continue as Manchester United progress through the season. Fans and pundits alike will be closely watching to see how Ten Hag utilizes his midfield options and whether he can find the right combination to unlock Mainoo’s full potential. The young midfielder’s development is crucial to United’s long-term success, and providing him with the right support system will be key to achieving that goal.
Here's the video from BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club where Paul Scholes discusses this topic: