In this article:
- Kobbie Mainoo’s emergence is not going to win United the league
- Jarrad Branthwaite hasn’t shown he is ready for United move
Kobbie Mainoo’s Emergence Is Not Going To Win United The League
Manchester United’s tough season has seen a glimmer of hope with the rise of 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo. Mainoo has quickly become a regular starter, impressing fans with his technical skills, composure on the ball, and situational awareness. His performances have not gone unnoticed, drawing praise from various quarters.
Ian Wright recently made a bold statement, suggesting that Kobbie Mainoo should be entrusted with leading the Manchester United midfield. However, John Barnes has urged caution against placing too much responsibility on Mainoo’s young shoulders too soon. While acknowledging Mainoo’s talent and potential, Barnes emphasises the importance of gradual development and not overburdening the young midfielder with excessive expectations.
“What does being given the keys to the midfield mean? To do what? He’s not a Bruno Fernandes, attacking midfielder type of player. He works hard, he defends really well, he covers ground and when he gets the ball he looks after it.
“But to then say he’s going to be the creative spark when he’s not a number ten is wrong. Is he going to play ahead of Bruno? Or as an eight driving forward which I don’t think will help Fernandes. He’s doing fine in terms of what he’s doing. The team still needs to play better. He’s not going to win the league for Man United.”
The 18-year-old Academy graduate and FA Youth Cup winner has shown remarkable resilience and determination, bouncing back from a significant injury setback in the summer. His recovery and impressive form have led to his establishment in Erik ten Hag’s first team in the latter months of 2023.
“What he’s doing right now is perfect and what he’s doing for the team now is everything he can and should be doing. If you expect him all of a sudden to drive Manchester United forward and take them to where they want to be, I don’t think he’s that type of player and it shouldn’t be put on his shoulders.
“What he’s doing right now is good enough for him to be a regular in the team. United as a team have to get better and he won’t be the one to drive United to where they want to be. But I’ve been very, very impressed with him.”
Manchester United are set to return to action this weekend, when they take on League Two side Newport County in the FA Cup. Erik ten Hag’s side are priced at 1/14 on bet365 to win the match against Newport, and be sure to use the bet365 bonus code when signing up, as this popular betting site has an eye-catching sign-up offer which offers a sizeable amount in free bets to their customers.
Jarrad Branthwaite Hasn’t Shown He Is Ready For United Move
Jarrad Branthwaite has been one of the most impressive finds of the season and is already being linked with a summer move to Manchester United. Reports suggest United are keeping close tabs on Everton’s Branthwaite and Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo as the club look to strengthen at centre-back.
He made his senior Everton debut as a second-half substitute against Wolverhampton Wanderers in July 2020, Branthwaite’s first start coming eight days later at Sheffield United where the centre-back was magnificent in a 1-0 win. Branthwaite then forced his way into Sean Dyche’s side, becoming a regular at centre-back. His progress was rewarded at the start of October 2023 with a new four-year contract. However, Barnes thinks it’s too soon to be linking the defender with a move to Old Trafford.
“It’s too early for there to be rumours linking Braithwaite to United. He’s playing in a team that has been conceding goals and haven’t been winning. He’s doing well but to all of a sudden say he’s going to solve the ill’s of Manchester United is crazy and it’s ridiculous.
“Let him develop, let him grow. I think he’s a good player but I don’t think he’s set the world alight with his performances so to say he’s ready for a move to Manchester United is unfair.
“He’s one for the future and has good potential but I haven’t seen in his performances that he’s ready for Manchester United.”
