Should Mainoo start at the Euros?

Kobbie Mainoo made his first start for England only 121 days after his professional debut for Manchester United. He may only have a few senior appearances to his name, but has he already proved himself vital for Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 hopes?
Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Mark Carey, Carl Anka and Michael Bailey to discuss how Mainoo performed in his “audition” for England, how he has performed so far this season for Man Utd, and what sort of player the 18-year-old can develop into.
0:00 - Intro - Describing Kobbie Mainoo’s style of play
4:13 - How did the fans react to him at Wembley?
6:30 - How can Mainoo develop further?
20:00 - Is he ready for the Euros?
23:58 - Does he start? Carl has an idea
29:08 - Reviewing his first season at Man Utd
33:52 - Comparing Mainoo
37:24 - Could Man Utd become over-reliant on him?
39:30 - Mainoo’s on the plane!
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#England #Euro2024 #MUFC
Thumbnail: Visionhaus / Contributor / Getty Images Europe via Getty Images

[@andrewharmon9720]

Most kids that come through at his age usually rely on raw pace and energy. This lad is a different story, he plays with the composure of a player in the twilight of his career.

[@ckernest]

good point.

[@use4Less]

Accurate

[@redbloodcell4047]

If you listen to him in interviews he seems to have the mentality of an older player. Sounds older than he is, plays older than he is.

[@davidublin]

Kobi shouldn't be going the euros , body still developing, needs to be resting

[@luke-ti3fu]

Best I've heard his breakthrough described.

[@alenjtom]

Always a delight to listen to Carl Anka

[@canonogic]

Mainoo Rice Bellingham Saka Kane Foden England have an unreal front 6 with an insane amount of flexibility

[@PioneerFX]

shame about the 5 who have to play behind them as we saw last night

[@canonogic]

@@PioneerFX yeah, thats our biggest worry 😔

[@Karma2Babylon]

@@canonogicI feel the need for speed 😮

[@georgefalconer9470]

With that we would need explosive overlapping full back to let Foden and Saka inside more and give Kane vertical penetration when he drops deep. Jude can do that but he's the only one with a desire to run beyond like a Son Heung min.

[@cogitoy7692]

This set up shows why Rashford still works so well in that team. They pretty much all want ball to feet, where are the runners? Jude alone isn't enough.

[@jonasloic4194]

RESPECT KOBBIE MAINOO

[@thewhitbyphotographer]

From what I saw last night, it would be criminal not to start him.

[@haimainjauo242]

Absolutely massive player ALREADY! His potential is just ridiculous!

[@bilalahmedshariff5576]

Trent can also come in that position

[@barakesmith-washington6946]

@@bilalahmedshariff5576😂😂😂😂

[@lancerevo9747]

​@@bilalahmedshariff5576 shush 🤫😂

[@RasmusPa]

This bunch are one of the best on KZbin. Proper football knowledge

[@CarlinConnolly]

This is an excerpt of a longer podcast from The Athletic - they have several regular (once a week or more) pods of a similar quality.... check them out!

[@mitch9225]

Angel Gomes walked so Kobbie Mainoo could run… dreaming of his call-up next 🥲

[@siralexferguson4640]

Angel Gomes was a overhyped flop

[@drakegeralds699]

@@siralexferguson4640he wasn’t hype. He was that good. He just didn’t leave up to it or didn’t have the right system around him. Take Januzag that season and Yamal this season for example

[@mitch9225]

@@siralexferguson4640 regardless of how highly you rated him, united have had issues integrating players with a technical base for years due to poor coaching and that was one factor in him not getting a proper chance to break through

[@CarlinConnolly]

He'll need to play in the PL first and apparently Man Utd have a first refusal plus a percentage of the fee that could be discounted

[@Conici_AU]

He was a 5ft manlet baby

[@RandomVideosFirst]

Been waiting for this, im so happy for the kid.

[@mikeessman4713]

The Athletic is seriously on another level for football analysis compared to other channels.

[@thalente8074]

I still won't forgive them for killing Tifo IRL

[@RzA201]

😂💤💤💤

[@gambit0913]

I think it helps Mainoo that we have dutch coaches at the club right now if they want him to develop into a more technical continental midfielder like De Jong etc...hire Southgate and all is lost

[@barakesmith-washington6946]

Keep Southgate away from my club

[@mattroot1067]

The boy will be Fantastic absolutely no doubt - we have seen this kind of technical ability from young players ten fold - but the mental ability & football brain this kid has is a gift - if his personality stays humble he WILL become a world class player - please god he has a good support system around him

[@d.b.cooper1]

Big up Carl Anka, really not a fan of over analysis in the modern game but I always make time for Carl, good lad

[@SequoiaRiver]

First time listener/watcher. Interesting, insightful and intelligent discussion, great work guys!

[@abhishektyagi2128]

The teenagers mentioned alongside Mainoo are all attacking players. It's rare to see a defender or a midfielder playing at such a high level at such a young age. I can recall very few such players.

[@rory4605]

love all four of these guys. A good grouping.

[@scottlinton6577]

As a Man United fan, I love seeing everyone praising a player that we’ve seen for 9 months and known his quality. His England teammates now trust him, the manager trusts him in the same way us fans have trusted him. Can’t wait to see where he gets to, we are lucky in England to have him.

[@carlogada940]

Yes united forever

[@user-uw3rs7zw7c]

Hi I'm a fairly new ⚽ fan and student of the game. I learn a lot from your discussions. Much appreciated.

[@jeems2066]

Don't forget that despite him not having the long shot of Scholes, Mainoo can carry the ball very well. Ball carriers mess up opposing defences which open up spaces for others. His turns going into a ball carrying run come quite suddenly which is a great benefit

[@DukeLitoAurelius]

Major respect for this young, talented lad. Super exciting. I love my US Men’s National Team, but I also love the Three Lions. I really think they can win the Euros and the World Cup.

[@Tenmented]

Yes he plays with no fear sling him straight in hes the perfect replacement for henderson

[@aaronwilliamgeorgemurphy1063]

He brings balance to England's midfield, a balance we haven't seen in a very long time. Got to start in euros

[@seddakmiah6540]

Balance? England midfield got counter attacked easily

[@onwuegbuzieafamefuna5934]

Carl smirking like such a proud dad.😅

[@higgsboson2280]

There's a bunch of man UTD youth players that have grown up with Mainoo, and they all have similar qualities. It seems Mainoo is the Giggs that is upping the entire youth setup at Man UTD.

[@aethionr4478]

That's so true. They are producing absolute ballers there.

[@thebizness5596]

Yep Mainoo is the first of a potential golden generation

[@stailenknife5453]

@@thebizness5596 Lacey, Amass, and Fletcher are probably next

[@Traveltheworld1818.]

​@@stailenknife5453 Amir ,( Ayedele ( a very good 6) Kambwala, Dan Gore,

[@parvez7077]

These pundits are way knowledgeable than the ones on espn.

[@chrisclassical7]

espn is pure donkey dung

[@commiebastard3633]

Steve Nicol works for ESPN, doesn't he? I think my cat has more knowledge, and is a good bit less biased.

[@DatboyBuj]

ESPN had pundits????

[@Stephen09W]

Espn are absolute dog shite!

[@bendover5768]

These are all journalists

[@Self-unaliver]

Mainoo is the type of player who doesnt score or assist, but without him, your team loses.

[@Stephen09W]

Did u not see he's winner against Wolves in the 94th min to win 4-3. He's got everything in he's locker!

[@Ebamber3]

@@Stephen09W that was one goal he rarely goes for goals or assists tbh, seems more like he wants to keep everything ticking and enjoys beating the press in midfield before giving it to someone more creative

[@jubjubhenry5612]

@@Ebamber3this is sort of misleading though isn’t it? he’s played as a CDM and his progression is vey nice and makes passes with every part of his boot. he’s literally 18, and is developing don’t let his elite composure fool you he will develop other areas and should he played further up the pitch to develop his playmaking imo.

[@Ebamber3]

@@jubjubhenry5612 he's obviously going to develop I'm just saying mentally he seems more like he just wants to be the team's metronome than the one to play the final ball or the one to stop attacks, and that's ok; we've needed one since Carrick anyway

[@ohffs2093]

I'm absolutely amazed how Curtis Jones isn't even mentioned as an option but Philips/Henderson is???

[@samwize28]

Jones (like Elliott) is a victim of his position and role in midfield. They are both more advanced '8' players that, despite being very energetic, don't really have a defensive bone in their bodies. As such they are up against the likes of Grealish, Foden, Jude and Maddison in the England squad. I really rate Jones though. Englands loss is Liverpools gain

[@justdavelewis]

I get what Carl is saying about Mainoo’s lack of goal threat and long passing, but I don’t think that prevents him being a midfielder (not strictly a defensive one) I wouldn’t say Frenkie De Jong is a defensive midfielder, nor does he renowned for goal threat and I think that’s probably who he’s most similar to I think if he adds the ball-striking qualities that Carl mentioned however, you’ve got someone who is a more athletic DLP scholes and that’s terrifying

[@haimainjauo242]

Exactly! I think passing long(er) range under pressure is something he should focus and make massive improvements on. I hope he dedicates his life to football early and always tries to make improvements

[@AREVIEW1]

He is 18, still a number of areas to develop.

[@durgeshsawant497]

He plays alongside Bruno known for his long Hollywood passes😂 i believe he will get better ❤❤

[@TIMxisxHERE]

He would literally start for every other country, but England is just so overloaded with quality on the midfield.

[@dicerevo]

As everyone has said, he does offer something different to all the others.

[@United_Wings]

He'll definitely start

[@JB-td9fz]

I saw mainoo out side Harvey nics the other week in town and he's similar size to me and I'm 5'11.

[@CarlinConnolly]

Southgate breathes a sigh of relief! I think that balance of roles works for the current England squad - particularly because Madison or Foden can come in if one is injured and Mainoo and Bellingham will be the two more defensive minded of the 3. Against Belgium it looked a lot like Barca's team with Rice as Busquets, Bellingham as Rakitic, Foden as Iniesta... and Mainoo as Xavi

[@maxvain]

Absolutely yes

[@jamesmason8436]

In a word: yes. The kid is incredible. Not just in terms of ability but maturity.

[@TheHoldbrook]

Alcântara is actually the perfect comparison to Mainoo. He hasn't got the range of passing yet though. Shout out to Carl for that

[@samwize28]

I think Modric is a closer comparison, albiet a more basic and lesser version. Hollywood passes, Yellow cards and injuries come to mind when i think of Thiago - none of which are our Kobbie haha

[@robtipple5489]

But why are Liverpool fans saying the opposite from everyone?

[@samwize28]

bitterness

[@Arielle62129]

I look at his body and he doesn't look like he's 18 years old. I love that about him and know he'll become much better with more experience on the pitch

[@Karma2Babylon]

Nor does his speed of thought.

[@neilswherethelightis]

Girl look at that body

[@RishModi]

Thank you for an objective podcast when every other media feels subjective and driven by their own personal agendas

[@SteveWilson-v76]

His style of play is very well suited to international football. United fans have been talking about him for a few years waiting for him to break through. He was captain of England U19's. Probably wouldn't start him but would 100% take him and actually give him minutes in the tournament

[@banihas22]

I think Kobe is very good as a 10 as well. He's creative and a calm finisher. He also links up well and looks for quick combinations.

[@dicerevo]

I think he needs to improve his shot power but that will come as he continues to grow. His aerial ability needs to be better but similarly that will improve once he stops growing and he’s fully in control of his equilibrium.

[@driziiD]

YES

[@alfredeshun1858]

More of Carl Anka please..

[@petermuskett3414]

You could see the change in confidence Bellingham and Rice had in Kobbie in the Belgium game. They trust him with the ball already, and that says it all really. As a United fan it’s a two edged sword, he makes England better, but a summer of rest and sprint training might have been the best thing for him long term. He could well be a national hero in 6 months time 😂

[@bordjord]

Yes, he is in great form. Simple as that. You play players when they are in great form. Especially, in Southgates setup which operates on individual brilliance.

[@BelfastManUtdTherapy]

im so proud of mainoo we need to keep him calm and away from silly headlines. his talent will shine as long as the english media dont ruin him and make him think hes the next pele or zidane

[@liamanderson3372]

Carl sitting there like a proud father

[@christosjoseph7409]

I agree that he can improve his long passing but he doesn’t need to score goals from outside the box. Look at xavi or Thiago I don’t recall them ever having that in their locker

[@francolive5718]

Yes

[@jamieoreilly3987]

47 minutes of pure waffle. Thanks lads

[@gustoaudio8711]

Yes, absolutely

[@richardkwesibadu1110]

Mainoo has a ghanaian background, he shows trait of ghanaian midfielders Example Michael Essien, Thomas Partey, Anthony annan, Allam Yahaya of Dormund. Pls go and watch their videos critically

[@cogitoy7692]

Yup, combative and technical midfielders. He seems to lack some of the physicality of the others, we'll see if he develops it like Carl Anka stated.

[@haimainjauo242]

​@@cogitoy7692but he's nowhere near his "final" form! It will take years to see him approach his full potential physically and on the pitch. He's ridiculously talented though and already at 18

[@Ebamber3]

none of these players were (or are) anywhere near as technical or press resistant as Mainoo Michael Essien and Thomas Partey for sure are ball winning midfielders, not playmakers like Mainoo

[@cogitoy7692]

@@Ebamber3 Essien, for his time and role, was very good on the ball. And Partey is probably the silkiest defensive midfielder in the league. Have you ever watched either of those guys play or just going based on FIFA positions?

[@diddyxl]

He turns on a dime, waits for the defender to make a move then dribbles past them. No one else in the team does this consistently especially box to box.

[@shango7942]

Good balance reasoning.

[@stephenlever419]

Let’s calm down !! We have for the 1st time in 50 years a squad comparable with the best countries, but our biggest enemy has been our attitude at big competitions , our mentality has always beaten us in the past . Let’s hope Southgate can truly get the best out of these very talented guys !!

[@leedavis6000]

19:40 absolutely bang on it blows my mind. Really enjoy listening to Carl Anka makes some really interesting Points except for comparing a man United player to a Liverpool player 😂

[@edwardferry8247]

He should be the player manager.

[@BlackChrishi]

Stamina is his main issue for me ATM and that's easily solvable for most young players.

[@benjacdesign1373]

What about a knockout FA cup game against your biggest rivals and one of the best teams in europe? Is that high pressure enough?

[@Footieheritage]

Mainoo x Rice x Bellingham x Foden x Madders OUR BEST Midfield 5 in England for EROUS🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Pls let's not put to pressure on him so he can flourish 🤝

[@CarlinConnolly]

We've forgotten about Trent pretty quickly but with 5 subs, you can see how we could start with Mainoo and then bring Trent on after an hour (ETH rarely plays him the full game) when the game is opening up. I think Southgate now knows he can stop worrying about Phillips, and he now knows Toney & Bowen are good enough to deputise for Kane and Saka without us having to change the way we play. Gordon was good but i have a feeling he'll take Watkins as an option off the left from the bench that allows him to have 3 strikers int he squad. I think he'll take Shaw or Chilwell but not both... if Shaw goes then i think Rashford will go as a potential starter because of his relationship with Shaw, but if Shaw does not make it then he'll take Chilwell but he won't risk both of their injury records with 20 outfielders. Gomez goes as back up LB who can also play CB. Trippier and Walker. Henderson will go because he'll only take 3 other CB's plus Gomez - Stones, Maguire & either Guehi or Colwill... Dunk has made too many big mistakes in his limited game time for a player of his age to stay in contention.

[@artukai3831]

When I saw Mainoo i felt bad for Kevin Phillips

[@aethionr4478]

Who? 😂

[@Karma2Babylon]

Once upon a time, my man was Yorkshire Pirlo. Now he’s Yorkshire pudding

[@Scottuz]

I think Carl needs to take a closer Look at Kobbie, watching him with Utd training 2 wks ago and I noticed then, his thigh's are enormous now?!? he's had a growth spurt, and he's 6ft right now, and his legs are strong enough, His chest and shoulders are also huge, and he really doesn't need any more weight to carry around the pitch, he's not a No6 he's more of an No8, he played as a striker when he started, so knows about attacking too so it's that box to box midfielder that he is more likely to be

[@btomlinson21]

It isn’t a question of whether Kobbie should start or not it’s a question of whether Jordan Henderson should even be in the squad let alone a started for England

[@andorrasrevenge1683]

Carl!!

[@guyfawkes3181]

Mark Carey = Gyokores. Is it only me who sees parallels?

[@badabing8884]

Yes.

[@Traveltheworld1818.]

Mainoo at RIGHT BACK DEFENDER in summer for about 45 minutes looked much better than both Bissaka and Dalot and other recent righ backs at United.. At Center back defence in academy once in a while there was no better Center back than Mainoo, looked liked Rio Ferdinand ..and ofcourse at 10 his assists and goals were many

[@BM-qn6fg]

The answer is yes.

[@aidanmagill6769]

Walks into the team at 18 and immediately starts coaching Casemiro as if he's the vet. Casemiro! Has anybody seen the like since Tony Adams?

[@snoozyweatherboy]

He should have his time managed.The stardom will come to him eventually but i do not want him to be fed more than he can chew.The boy's gifted but i hope Southgate manage his playing time well so that he may not be crushed by the pressure.And English media needs to tone down the hype a lil bit.

[@BasedHadrian]

Maybe, it depends. Curtis Jones was one of if not Liverpool’s best midfielder until his injury this season and he has a ton of experience. He should be in for a call up imo. You probably want to go Maddison, rice, Bellingham though

[@samwize28]

Jones (like Elliott) is a victim of his position and role in midfield. They are both more advanced '8' players that, despite being very energetic, don't really have a defensive bone in their bodies. As such they are up against the likes of Grealish, Foden, Jude and Maddison in the England squad. Whereas Mainoo is a 6/8 hybrid. So hes up against the likes of Rice, Henderson, JWP and Phillips. Easier to get in.

[@j19856]

YES. He was best player on the pitch

[@acer4462]

Just out of curiosity, what do non-united fans think? How is Mainoo viewed to fans outside of the club?

[@funkyrodent66]

no brainer. Unsure why nobody is thinking the play rice as a CB pair with Stones. Especially against low block teams - low block teams will isolate Rice as the pivot as they know he wont hurt them. Play stones and rice as ball playing CB's knowing eng will have 70% possession, and invite them to load the midfield, creating poor triangles. Southgate has the players, but he is stuck in the 90s with his turgid, stiff tactics.

[@Fgd231]

Yea

[@bent-p4659]

Yes. Hes good enough...

[@GooberProject]

Imagine ole with his double pivot with Mainoo and current attack

[@paddydarkchild234]

Jesus...still on that Ole train?😂

[@popisitalia336]

Mino will lead this team to glory. like the young Ronald did for Brazil in the World Cup.

[@Gasser24769]

YOOOOOOI think you play Caine Saka Rashford upfront Probably change Rashford in and out Mainoo Bellingham foden / rice midfield Replace Maguire with Tomori. John Stones, Walker and Chilwell/shaw if fit. But rice play as centre half but turn into two cdm with mainoo on counter and back three of Shah Walker and stones…. Wys ! 😆 got pure man Bellingham needs to play defensive he’s unreal foden needs freedom. Even Gordon for rashford but I wouldn’t write rashford off at all

[@kempyj98]

Is bruno in the way of man utds progression now? Sounds mental because hes one of the most talented player but i think a lot of their problems would be solved if they sold him to allow younger players to take over

[@samwize28]

I think selling him could be Utds coutinho moment. Not that it will generate stupid funds but it could generally unlock the rest of the squad. it all depends on who is going to buy him though (im looking at your Saudi)

[@oronsayepaul6709]

kobi mano is the classic 10 registra

[@georgespade9945]

Mainoo is the last piece of the jigsaw which will give England a trophy

[@druidmann]

Should skipp start for the euros?

[@chrisroberts8864]

I give up if he takes Henderson instead of mainoo

[@JB-td9fz]

He sprettry good. I like a mid of him bellingham and rice

[@haimainjauo242]

NO ONE ON THIS PODCAST OR IN THE COMMENT SECTION IS GIVING KOBBIE ENOUGH CREDIT. ABSOLUTELY MASSIVE PLAYER ALREADY! HIS POTENTIAL IS RIDICULOUS

[@lexanderpeters4902]

They don’t understand yet ..He’s going to be one of the Greats of the Game

[@kaisersolo76]

Hes not a dm or a 6. He can play there in his slippers but he's more explosive going forward. Also, no word for the manager, who planned to use him at the start of this season but was robbed due to injury. Erik Ten Hag, a had a big part in bringing him and garnacho forward, these guys were brought them into to the first team to train 1 year and half ago. You're quick to be first to talk nonsense about our manager but not when he does something right. On Monday, after that great game, the press didn't know what to do, as they had the sack stories ready to go. Tuesday they went with the southgate nonsense. show our manager respect, he brought thru Mainoo.

[@EmptyGlass99]

You know you're doing well when Jude Bellingham is constantly looking to pass the ball to you.

[@aidyil]

Genuinely my opinion. Off the bench. Idw him to burnt out. He’s too good to risk anything. A diamond needs polishing.

[@Ajibolaa]

Hahahahahaha I’m guilty Carl. I want him as a box to box exclusively the same way Declan rice has evolved from being a dmf to being a combo of both box to box and ball winning. That’s my ultimate vision for Mainoo. Then pair that up with a proper ball winning midfielder and we’d have secured our midfield for the next decade

[@Sasso-pf1mo]

Mainoooooo hes a manc, Mainoooooo hes a tank , kobbie kobbie hes a red!

[@infiniteoptimalhd1998]

look at this way, who should be taking Mainoos spot in the team? I can think of Gallagher thats it. Other than rice who is a guarantee there’s not really another natural CM

[@wilseph1]

If waistcoat is the Manager at the Euros, Mainoo will be lucky to be on the bench. We all know waistcoat is going to play Henderson and Phillips with Rice.

[@Philly_Jump_Over_The_Fence]

João Neves or Onana at 6. For Utd. And Mainoo 8.

[@fplgregfrost]

Squad is yes, Start is maybe.

[@use4Less]

Start 100%

[@drakegeralds699]

I would start Maddison with Rice and Belz

[@ronakjoshi5198]

Southgate too scared to play Mainoo He will go with Henderson

[@redbloodcell4047]

Although he's injured Henderson could have played against Belgium even as an 80th minute sub, but he did not.

[@tentontarantula7750]

guys you've programmed way too many ads on these vids. the content isn't so amazing that I'm going to sit through more marketing than a cable tv show.

[@HdHd-hp6qz]

It doesn’t matter who starts the starting eleven if wrong. You can’t win a tournament with weak links.

[@raddysrants8407]

He's already the best player for England....Sound familiar?

[@Curt_Smith]

You don't need to apologise for having trepidations about spurs lol. COYS

[@infiniteoptimalhd1998]

Pickford Walker stones maguire shaw Rice Mainoo Saka Bellingham foden Kane