THE BIGGER PICTURE
Mainoo’s contributions have not been limited to club football. He was instrumental in England’s campaign at the European Championship, as the Three Lions went all the way to the final, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most promising young talents in the game.
Established players like Scott McTominay and Casemiro have faced questions regarding their roles, especially with the emergence of Mainoo as a potential cornerstone of the team’s midfield. Carragher noted this shift, saying, “He came through last season, we were asking questions about United’s midfield. It was Casemiro needs a partner, now it’s Mainoo needs a partner. I think he is going to be a superstar.”
This sentiment is echoed by other footballing greats, including Roy Keane and Gary Neville, who have also recognized Mainoo’s potential to dominate the midfield for years to come.
“What he [Mainoo] has shown is a lot of maturity,” Keane remarked. “He has to back it up, you are playing in the middle of the park for Man United. But he made it look very easy, his reading of the game and maturity. Hopefully he can back it up injury-free. I have been hugely impressed and fingers crossed.”
Gary Neville, another Manchester United legend, also praised Mainoo for his composure and consistency, particularly in marquee fixtures. The former defender added: “He has handled big games from minute one. Cup finals, scoring in cup finals, big away games.
He was the player in such a poor team that you could rely on. To then do what he did in the tournament, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher had played there and he became the answer. What a mesmerising start, the only thing that can stop him is himself.”
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