Gareth Southgate Gives Final Verdicts On Kobbie Mainoo’s Potential England Call-up
England manager Gareth Southgate has admitted he is keen to keep watching Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo’s emergence.
Mainoo bamboozled in pre-season but saw his breakout delayed by injury, but the 18-year-old now has 16 appearances for United to his name and recently netted his first Premier League goal in dramatic fashion to seal a 4-3 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
His impressive form has seen many fans call for Mainoo to be handed a spot in Southgate’s next England squad, particularly following reports that Ghana are trying to convince the teenager to switch his international allegiance.
Asked about Mainoo’s emergence, Southgate said: “I think he’s doing brilliantly for a young player. He’s had an excellent start for United.
“I’m not certain he’s necessarily going to be a defensive midfielder, as such. He’s quite a progressive player, but he’s had a fabulous start to his career and it will be good to monitor him as we go forward.”
United boss Erik ten Hag recently insisted United fans can be excited about a future with Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund in the team. “I think they enjoy to play together,” he told a press conference. “There is adventure, they are a danger, they want to do it together. They want also to pass the ball to each other and everyone can play to the qualities and everyone can score goals.
