Jamie Redknapp says Kobbie Mainoo is facing a much tougher challenge at Manchester United than Phil Foden ever has at Manchester City.
It’s been a fantastic March for Kobbie Mainoo as he played a key role in the FA Cup triumph over Liverpool which earned him his first England call-up and debut.
The 18-year-old earned rave reviews for his Player of the Match performance against Belgium for the Three Lions but came back to earth on Saturday night.
While Mainoo himself wasn’t the worst offender, he was back in a United side that seemed to have lost all the spark and fight it showed against Liverpool.
In their Premier League match against Brentford, Erik ten Hag’s team was apathetic and lucky not to go behind 4-0 at the break.
Despite Brentford’s overwhelming dominance, Mason Mount gave United an unjustified lead in the 96th minute.
The Bees responded to gain a point, which was the very least they deserved, even if everyone believed they had won.
Jamie Redknapp claims that Mainoo has a far tougher task than Phil Foden has ever had, and United’s troubles demonstrate exactly how good Mainoo has been to stand out.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ coverage of the game, Jamie Redknapp said: “More difficult.
“When you come into a team that’s playing well and you’ve got a Man City team with a young player, a bit like Phil Foden did, it’s not as difficult.
“Because you’re playing with great players, you’re winning games.
“He’s having to take games by the scruff of the next at 18 years of age.
“He’s played 20 times for Man United, the biggest compliment I can give him, he looks like he’s played 300.
“He’s that calm, he’s that cool. For England in midweek, the crowd love him, he’s a superstar in the making.
“He’s just got to keep his head down, keep working hard, doing all the things that he’s done to get him where he is right now and keep playing at that level.
“He’s a superstar.”
The hype surrounding Mainoo has skyrocketed this past week with his unexpected England call-up and strong display on his international bow.
There’s nothing wrong with getting excited, especially about a player who looks to be exactly what Gareth Southgate’s side was missing, but it’s important not to inflate expectations too much.
Despite being a prodigal talent, Mainoo is still very young and is constantly learning the game and growing as a person.
There will be obstacles and moments when he is unable to control the situation.
Against Brentford, Mainoo made some excellent passes but struggled in a few challenges against tough opponents, surrendering the ball in risky situations.
That’s totally normal—he’s learning, that’s to be expected. The timing of this dose of reality is perfect.