[ForeverRed1]

I might sound like a nutter but I’d rest him on the weekend. We got to look after him and protect him at all costs.

 

[glazed]

Are we not saying man of the match anymore

We are. The broadcasters aren't.

 

[Raven]

Only Bellingham outshone him really, unreal levels for an 18 year old to be showing and he should have had a goal and an assist.

I don't think Bellingham outshone him at all.

 

[TsuWave]

I don't know how United fans have developed this weak spineless fear of losing players. So odd to be in this thread doing prayer circles for a Carrington graduate not to leave us as if we're in the business of losing players we want to keep. We've been shite for years but we're still Manchester United for feck's sake.

 

[dabronxolivera]

I don't know how United fans have developed this weak spineless fear of losing players. So odd to be in this thread doing prayer circles for a Carrington graduate not to leave us as if we're in the business of losing players we want to keep. We've been shite for years but we're still Manchester United for feck's sake.

Its the trauma of losing Ronaldo to Madrid. Also we have been shite so long a lot of people fear that it will affect player's loyalty

 

[Spark]

feck sake we’re not losing Mainoo! Everton sold Rooney because they were skint and offered £30m in 2003 - I’d guess that’s around £100m in today’s money?

Let’s tie him down on a decent new contract and enjoy watching him develop over the next 5 years. Then we can shit ourselves a bit until he signs the next contract.

He should get a one time bonus simply for saving the club £100m on a new midfielder.

 

[bobglory]

He is going to leave?

Yeah. To join Stockport where he was born.
He joined us when he was 9.
He is a United lad.
We are reviewing his contract already I understand.
He will stay with us for his entire playing days.

i think he was 7 even . mancs (il let him off for being stockport ) we are loyal and he is going nowhere . what a baller .

 

[Rolaholic]

Henderson and Gallagher are weeping

 

[prateik]

We should sign Bellingham from Madrid to play alongside Kobbie...

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

We should sign Bellingham from Madrid to play alongside Kobbie...

And Rice from Arsenal while we're at it.

 

[Member 109952]

Of course. I don't think anyone even questions that, the question is who partners Bellingham and Rice.

I remember after his first or second app for us I said in this thread that he'd be starting for us in the Euros and I reckon by the end of the season it will be pretty much set in stone, as long as he stays fit.

Between Mainoo and Foden you'd probably go with Foden.. but he never really fits in this England team. He's better in a Pep side where they have 90% of the ball.

It'll most likely be Foden on the left but I like him even less there, he's not natural at all on the LW. Much rather have Grealish there and think not having there has cost us in the last few tournaments, our attack in the world cup was pretty much just Kane and Saka.

 

[Eddy_JukeZ]

Between Mainoo and Foden you'd probably go with Foden.. but he never really fits in this England team. He's better in a Pep side where they have 90% of the ball.

It'll most likely be Foden on the left but I like him even less there, he's not natural at all on the LW. Much rather have Grealish there and think not having there has cost us in the last few tournaments, our attack in the world cup was pretty much just Kane and Saka.

Rashford was very good at the world cup. Southgate didn't play him enough.

 

[the_cliff]

Between Mainoo and Foden you'd probably go with Foden.. but he never really fits in this England team. He's better in a Pep side where they have 90% of the ball.

It'll most likely be Foden on the left but I like him even less there, he's not natural at all on the LW. Much rather have Grealish there and think not having there has cost us in the last few tournaments, our attack in the world cup was pretty much just Kane and Saka.

My problem with that is he just isn't as good through the middle. I know a lot of fans want him in that England midfield but there's a reason why Pep hardly plays him in Citys midfield despite him being much more suited to that style of play. If we're playing Bellingham in the 10 I don't think Foden can play 8/6. Foden has 8 apps for City in central midfield since 21/22.

I think it's much more likely Madisson plays in midfield over Foden.

 

[city-puma]

I hope ERH manages his minutes carefully so that he is not overplayed. Hope Kobbie a great career with us, injury free! What a gem!

 

[Fortitude]

Henderson and Gallagher are weeping

When even Southgate can see it.

 

[TsuWave]

Its the trauma of losing Ronaldo to Madrid. Also we have been shite so long a lot of people fear that it will affect player's loyalty

One player we wanted to keep - one. And one that came with aspirations of playing elsewhere, certainly not a local academy graduate. "Trauma" - these people need to grow up.

United has been shit, yes - but the club is of a stature that allows it to pay some of the best wages around, and is one right managerial appointment and a few good transfers away from being competitive. Players know this and know the profile and opportunities to maximise earnings they're afforded at United are not easy to come by. United academy graduates aren't dying to go elsewhere.

 

[roonster09]

Please, repeat with me: we are NOT a big club vis-a-vis what we can spend, anymore. We don't have finances to act like a big club. There will be a long and hard road for us to get back to acting like a big club (money-wise). We are currently a bankrupt club that has been robbed and destroyed by decade plus of mismanagement by Glazers.

No, I'm good.

 

[roonster09]

One player we wanted to keep - one. And one that came with aspirations of player elsewhere, certainly not a local academy graduate. "Trauma" - these people need to grow up.

United has been shit, yes - but the club is of a stature that allows it to pay some of the best wages around, and is one right managerial appointment and a few good transfers away from being competitive. Players know this and know the profile and opportunities to maximise earning they're afforded at United is not easy to come by. United academy graduates aren't dying to go elsewhere.

If a young player or any player doesn't play well then he is shit, championship standard and should be binned.

Player plays well then scared of Madrid signing him when they have signed grand total of 1 player whom we wanted to keep.

It's like few of them live in alternate universe when Madrid scouting starts and ends with ManUtd.

 

[tentan]

feck sake we’re not losing Mainoo! Everton sold Rooney because they were skint and offered £30m in 2003 - I’d guess that’s around £100m in today’s money?

Let’s tie him down on a decent new contract and enjoy watching him develop over the next 5 years. Then we canurselves a bit until he signs the next contract.

He should get a one time bonus simply for saving the club £100m on a new midfielder.

Not quite so fast. Don't go down the Rashford route.

 

[NoPace]

Anyone hear Southgate's interview on talksport around 15 mins ago. He said playing Mainoo left the team exposed, and that it was clear a couple of times. I think he favours 2 holding midfielders and Jude. He previously described Mainoo as a progressive player rather than a holding midfielder. Is Southgate the manager to take Mainoo forward at international level or club level?

We've seen how fantastic Mainoo is on the ball and that he's very good in 50/50s too, but he's not a standout defensively off the ball (normal for his age) relative to the average #8. People will consider that harsh but it's what I see when I watch us.

He has to be in the squad because he offers England the best chance - as Bellingham and Rice's third man - to not be outplayed in midfield like England normally is at some point in the knockouts by a Croatia or Italy or whoever. There should be a 23-30 year old #8 ready to play in the role but England have always struggled. Someone like Bissouma, Douglas Luiz or Fabian Ruiz, a guy who isn't quite good enough to be a clear starter for a CL contender but good enough to be in the squad or start as one of the weaker players in the XI without being a liability and doing typical #8 things (cutting off passing gaps, marking someone, being comfortable in tight spaces, able to get the ball to players further ahead on the half-turn without just going backwards or sideways, 1 or 2 really good passes or penetrative dribbles a game) at a good level.

But I can see being nervous about him starting every game at this stage. It's probably England's best option, but in the way where maybe Maddison starts in the group stage against a weaker opponent to ensure goals are scored, and someone more defensive (though I have no idea who, I guess Henderson) is asked to finish off the last 30 minutes of games for Mainoo when England are ahead.

But for United, we have no idea if Mainoo will be best as a #10, #8 or #6. England can expect to have Bellingham for a decade as a #10 and Rice for at least 5-6 years as a deeper midfielder. So Mainoo is filling a gap in the team as a #8, for which he makes sense. But United don't have a Bellingham or Rice, and we don't know yet if Mainoo should be one of two #8s with a holder sitting, a De Jong type who dominates games but needs the right partner(s) and should be the deepest midfielder in possession progressing the ball, or even a #10 who is maybe less of a high goals and assists type and more of a creator and safety valve (not to compare but Zidane is the archetypal guy here). Hell, he may even be best with 3/5 defenders and he's one of 3 midfielders and if you look at the best 3 in the back team in the world in Inter, Mainoo playing the Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan or Barella role in 2-3 years seems reasonable.

 

[gajender]

One player we wanted to keep - one. And one that came with aspirations of player elsewhere, certainly not a local academy graduate. "Trauma" - these people need to grow up.

United has been shit, yes - but the club is of a stature that allows it to pay some of the best wages around, and is one right managerial appointment and a few good transfers away from being competitive. Players know this and know the profile and opportunities to maximise earning they're afforded at United is not easy to come by. United academy graduates aren't dying to go elsewhere.

If a young player or any player doesn't play well then he is shit, championship standard and should be binned.

Player plays well then scared of Madrid signing him when they have signed grand total of 1 player whom we wanted to keep.

It's like few of them live in alternate universe when Madrid scouting starts and ends with ManUtd.

Not to mention United didn't actually match what was being offered by Madrid to Ronaldo in terms of financial package whether that would have made a difference or not I am not sure but you can't even say we pulled all the stops to keep Ronaldo.

 

[Fortitude]

Kobbie Mainoo might have just played himself into England's Euro 2024 starting XI, according to Gary Lineker.

https://talksport.com/football/1804347/kobbie-mainoo-england-man-utd-jude-bellingham-gary-lineker/

The Manchester United midfielder was making his full debut for the Three Lions after being named in the team for the international friendly with Belgium on Tuesday night, a match that ended with a 2-2 draw.

Mainoo has done his Euro 2024 hopes the world of good following his latest display.
But while just 18 years of age, Mainoo put in the sort of performance that you'd expect from an England mainstay.

Fans of the Premier League have seen a bit of what the midfielder is capable of, but his performance for England left supporters feeling very excited at the way he slotted in alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in central midfield.

One person who was particularly impressed was England legend Gary Lineker, who wrote on X: "A superb first start by Kobbie Mainoo for England. "He’s not only played himself into the squad for the Euros but quite possibly the starting line-up. Well played young man."

Jude Bellingham heaped praise on the midfielder post-match as well, telling Channel 4: "He was good tonight.
"It's difficult, I'm speaking like the old head and I know there's a clamour [for him to be picked] but he is definitely a brilliant player and he will have a great future for Manchester United and hopefully for England too."

Those sentiments were echoed by talkSPORT's Stuart Pearce who said: "I think he had a super game, I really do. Mainoo put in a performance way beyond his years against one of the world's top sides. He’s been confident on the ball and turned when he’s had the opportunity to do so. With two caps under his belt I think he’s looked very sufficient in his standard of play and it’ll be interesting to see how he finishes the season for United. I think he’s given Gareth something to think about.”

When asked about Mainoo's chances of making it to Euro 2024, Southgate unsurprisingly kept his cards close to his chest though.
Southgate told talkSPORT: "I'll be delighted if everyone is fit for a start, so let's hope we've got all those decisions to make. I'm really pleased with the way he played. He's so comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, his strength against some combative midfielders and a beautiful bit of play in the lead-up to the first goal. There were several moments like that with him. He's a bit more open without the ball and there was evidence of that as well so we've got to get the right balance to the team. But it's great to have a player like him as an option."

------

I find that a very odd thing to say when he was deployed too high up the pitch with Bellingham often encroaching in central midfield rather than sticking to the area of the pitch in which he's turned into a superstar this season.

Mainoo was played too far up the pitch, which meant he was sporadically involved in the play rather than the one getting the majority of the play channelled through him as the conduit. It's still a fantastic debut, but those coaches need to tweak the midfield positions and let the players thrive in similar areas to what they've got all the praise for their clubs this season. Bellingham is on a Ballon D'or level tear up in the AM and even false #9 area of the pitch. Leave him there and let him replicate his form. Mainoo can play the role he did (obviously), but it's not optimising him as he's waiting on others progressing the ball to him.

From an athletic standpoint, it makes a big difference having two tall, powerful runners in deeper midfield in Rice and Bellingham, but even if that is so, both of those players have proven their worth located respectively further back or higher up the pitch - Mainoo supplying Bellingham makes more sense than vice-versa.

 

[roonster09]

Not to mention United didn't actually match what was being offered by Madrid to Ronaldo in terms of financial package whether that would have made a difference or not I am not sure but you can't even say we pulled all the stops to keep Ronaldo.

Not sure that would have made any difference but yeah people think Madrid comes and cherry picks our players is ridiculous.

They have changed their strategy, they are signing players before they are playing for top team. They have built their squad like that.

 

[the_cliff]

We've seen how fantastic Mainoo is on the ball and that he's very good in 50/50s too, but he's not a standout defensively off the ball (normal for his age) relative to the average #8. People will consider that harsh but it's what I see when I watch us.

He has to be in the squad because he offers England the best chance - as Bellingham and Rice's third man - to not be outplayed in midfield like England normally is at some point in the knockouts by a Croatia or Italy or whoever. There should be a 23-30 year old #8 ready to play in the role but England have always struggled. Someone like Bissouma, Douglas Luiz or Fabian Ruiz, a guy who isn't quite good enough to be a clear starter for a CL contender but good enough to be in the squad or start as one of the weaker players in the XI without being a liability and doing typical #8 things (cutting off passing gaps, marking someone, being comfortable in tight spaces, able to get the ball to players further ahead on the half-turn without just going backwards or sideways, 1 or 2 really good passes or penetrative dribbles a game) at a good level.

But I can see being nervous about him starting every game at this stage. It's probably England's best option, but in the way where maybe Maddison starts in the group stage against a weaker opponent to ensure goals are scored, and someone more defensive (though I have no idea who, I guess Henderson) is asked to finish off the last 30 minutes of games for Mainoo when England are ahead.

But for United, we have no idea if Mainoo will be best as a #10, #8 or #6. England can expect to have Bellingham for a decade as a #10 and Rice for at least 5-6 years as a deeper midfielder. So Mainoo is filling a gap in the team as a #8, for which he makes sense. But United don't have a Bellingham or Rice, and we don't know yet if Mainoo should be one of two #8s with a holder sitting, a De Jong type who dominates games but needs the right partner(s) and should be the deepest midfielder in possession progressing the ball, or even a #10 who is maybe less of a high goals and assists type and more of a creator and safety valve (not to compare but Zidane is the archetypal guy here). Hell, he may even be best with 3/5 defenders and he's one of 3 midfielders and if you look at the best 3 in the back team in the world in Inter, Mainoo playing the Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan or Barella role in 2-3 years seems reasonable.

I do agree with your first point about his defensive side of the game. It's also interesting to see Southgates interview with Talksport post game where he said that Mainoo gives us the ability to control games but we are more open defensively. I think Kyle Walker is key for this, we really need a pacey defender that has the ability to clean up counters.

My problem with Gallagher/Henderson although decent classical 8s, we struggle to control games against decent opposition and even breaking down low blocks. I think with Saka on the right Kane up front and that midfield base we can go toe to toe with any top international team.

 

[roonster09]

From an athletic standpoint, it makes a big difference having two tall, powerful runners in deeper midfield in Rice and Bellingham, but even if that is so, both of those players have proven their worth located respectively further back or higher up the pitch - Mainoo supplying Bellingham makes more sense than vice-versa

Yeah, Rice as the deeper player with Mainoo between Rice and Bellingham is better choice.

Wouldn't mind Mainoo as the deepest midfielder to receive first pass in the build up play to keep the ball rolling. Rice is good at it too but even when pressed Mainoo has composure to keep the ball.

England have some very good midfield option to play in many ways.

 

[Drainy]

Southgate channeling his inner Glenn Hoddle there. Lazy punditry masquerading as management

 

[AneRu]

I have just thought how someone like Andsr Herrera would be a perfect partner for him right now. He was adept at playing the harrying 8 and could play as a makeshift 6 so it means that early in the build up Kobie would be the first receiver and move the ball up and then when moves broke down it would be Herrera to chase the ball with Kobie sweeping in the block hole.

 

[roonster09]

I have just thought how someone like Andsr Herrera would be a perfect partner for him right now. He was adept at playing the harrying 8 and could play as a makeshift 6 so it means that early in the build up Kobie would be the first receiver and move the ball up and then when moves broke down it would be Herrera to chase the ball with Kobie sweeping in the block hole.

I think prime Matic would be better partner. Defensively very good and also physicality in defence. He was good with the ball too.

 

[DWelbz19]

Foden has never had a good game for England. Probably his best game tonight and he was alright, but he’s not the absolute cert that the press make out for England. He’s had enough games now and it’s clear he’s a totally different player for his club.

Agreed. If Rashford can find some consistent form until the end of the season, think he may have a chance of getting left wing after those performances. Saka sewn up to start on the right, and there’s no way we’re playing Foden through the middle at a major tournament.

 

[Mr Smith]

Rashford was very good at the world cup. Southgate didn't play him enough.

I actually thought Southgate used him well; bring him on as a sub to terrorise tired teams with his running in behind. I think he could be used the sane way this summer.

Back to Mainoo, Southfate would be mad not to start him with Bellingham and Rice, he's made for that spot between them.

 

[gajender]

Not sure that would have made any difference but yeah people think Madrid comes and cherry picks our players is ridiculous.

They have changed their strategy, they are signing players before they are playing for top team. They have built their squad like that.

Once United gets its house in order and become competitive again I don't see many players leaving Us if any even less so someone like Mainoo a local lad .

This fear of Madrid or any other top Club picking Our stars isn't based in reality at all

 

[top1whoisman]

I think prime Matic would be better partner. Defensively very good and also physicality in defence. He was good with the ball too.

Otherwise I’d agree but I feel we need a bit more legs and pace around Mainoo. Perhaps I think too much of the United version of Matić, but if I remember correctly he was pretty slow even in his Chelsea days.

He had Ramires with him in his first season and Kanté during his second season at the Bridge. Similar to Herrera, in my opinion they were ideal players next to the Serb with their constant pressing and how much ground they covered.

 

[Toshey]

He made so many penetrating passes forward against Belgium.... Wow!

 

[The Red Thinker]

If there’s a single Caf member here who doubts Mainoo after that England performance, they ought to be sent to the sin bin.

We have a generational talent in our hands, born and bred in Stockport. INEOS do not muck this up!

 

[roonster09]

Otherwise I’d agree but I feel we need a bit more legs and pace around Mainoo. Perhaps I think too much of the United version of Matić, but if I remember correctly he was pretty slow even in his Chelsea days.

He had Ramires with him in his first season and Kanté during his second season at the Bridge. Similar to Herrera, in my opinion they were ideal players next to the Serb with their constant pressing and how much ground they covered.

When Jose signed him he used to cover lot of ground, but yeah not quickest in short distance.

Will be interesting to see which midfielder we will sign or promote next to Mainoo.

 

[top1whoisman]

When Jose signed him he used to cover lot of ground, but yeah not quickest in short distance.

Will be interesting to see which midfielder we will sign or promote next to Mainoo.

Yeap, it’s actually quite a crucial decision.

 

[criticalanalysis]

I do agree with your first point about his defensive side of the game. It's also interesting to see Southgates interview with Talksport post game where he said that Mainoo gives us the ability to control games but we are more open defensively. I think Kyle Walker is key for this, we really need a pacey defender that has the ability to clean up counters.

My problem with Gallagher/Henderson although decent classical 8s, we struggle to control games against decent opposition and even breaking down low blocks. I think with Saka on the right Kane up front and that midfield base we can go toe to toe with any top international team.

Don't do it to yourself mate!

 

[NoPace]

I do agree with your first point about his defensive side of the game. It's also interesting to see Southgates interview with Talksport post game where he said that Mainoo gives us the ability to control games but we are more open defensively. I think Kyle Walker is key for this, we really need a pacey defender that has the ability to clean up counters.

My problem with Gallagher/Henderson although decent classical 8s, we struggle to control games against decent opposition and even breaking down low blocks. I think with Saka on the right Kane up front and that midfield base we can go toe to toe with any top international team.

Yeah, I'm not English, but it's hard to see winning 3 knockout games against good teams (quick look at the draw suggests if they win their fairly weak group, a R of 16 game England will be favored solidly in, then Italy/Spain/Croatia in the quarters, France/Belgium in the semis and then whoever makes the final) with Henderson or Gallagher.

Best course of action is probably to play Mainoo and surround him with as much quality defensively as you can, maybe to the point of going a little extreme like a backline of Colwill-Maguire-Stones-Walker (if Shaw isn't back) and try to keep things tight and hope that having 3 midfielders who can actually play a bit can create enough in attack. I'd be worried to play say all of Chilwell, Mainoo and Maguire (or any other LCB really). That seems like 3 fairly vulnerable points in a back 7, and the goalkeeper isn't exactly Lev Yashin.

 

[Gordon S]

Really like how he tries to slow things down at times. Like he is trying to lull players into relaxing, then boom, a quick turn or a forward pass between the lines that just open things up. Really smart.
Belgium did well last night to pack that midfield and defend with every player. Made it hard for Englands midfield stars to perform. But he did really well in there.

 

[Pughnichi]

We are. The broadcasters aren't.

Lee Dixon called it man of the match recently…commentating on a man’s game.

he then checked himself and said ohh sorry, player of the match

What a blamonje