‘He should calm down and learn from the best that is when He will develop into a great player’ – Paul Scholes tells Man Utd star he can learn core qualities from two legends, it would completely transform him
‘He should calm down and learn from the best that is when He will develop into a great player’ – Paul Scholes tells Man Utd star he can learn core qualities from two legends, it would completely transform him
Paul Scholes has insisted that Kobbie Mainoo could develop even further if he inherited two all-important attributes from two Manchester United legends.
Kobbie Mainoo enjoyed a breakout season at Old Trafford under Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag after firmly establishing himself in the first team.
The 19-year-old Stockport-born player has become an influential midfield figure for the Red Devils, with Mainoo thriving under Erik ten Hag at United.
Mainoo started in all 24 Premier League matches he played for United in the 2023-24 campaign, with the Red Devils star scoring three times and picking up an assist.
The United midfielder made 35 appearances across all competitions and he scored five times and registered three assists in his breakout campaign.
Mainoo’s success at Old Trafford also led to his senior England call-up in 2024, including playing a key role for the Three Lions at Euro 2024 in Germany.
Scholes on Mainoo and two Man Utd legends
Paul Scholes has previously waxed lyrical about England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo after his meteoric rise at Manchester United last season.
Mainoo initially missed the start of the 2023-24 campaign after an injury during pre-season in 2023 before bouncing back and breaking into the United first team.
The Three Lions international is expected to play a key role for Erik ten Hag’s men in the 2024-25 Premier League season.
Speaking to The Guardian, Scholes has now revealed that Mainoo could develop his playing style further by adopting attributes from two United legends.
The 49-year-old former United midfielder holds ex-club captain Bryan Robson in high regard and was in awe at the “leadership” quality he possessed.
Scholes also dropped huge admiration on former United teammate Nicky Butt and the “aggression” he had, which Mainoo could be “better” at on the pitch.
“Bryan Robson? Leadership. For me, he’s the epitome of a United midfield player,” he said.
“The amount of times I hear now: ‘Is he a 6, an 8 or a 10?’ When you’re a United midfielder, you’ve got to be able to do everything. Robson could.
“Nicky? Aggression. I’m not saying Kobbie’s not aggressive. He’s not had to be because he never really loses the ball. But that could be a part of the game he could get better at.”
Scholes on Mainoo and Man Utd impact
Scholes insisted that he could see Mainoo making a major impact on United by becoming a “match-winner” a “bit more consistently” thanks to his “personality.”
“He can probably win more games for his team,” he said.
“We’ve seen midfield players over the years who, when they score goals, they win games. [Steven] Gerrard and [Frank] Lampard, those kinds of people.
“With his personality, he can become a match-winner for United. A bit more consistently.”
