In a season of more abject performances, only very few players at Manchester United can hold their heads up high this season.
Rising star Kobbie Mainoo is certainly one who can get plaudits for his breakthrough campaign and putting in respectable performances.
The 19-year-old’s season for Manchester United didn’t get started until November because of injury and then it took off like Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick.
From making his Manchester United debut, playing in the Champions League, scoring against the likes of Wolves and Liverpool, and also making his England debut.
All positive stuff in a bleak season for his club, but even Mainoo was brought back down to earth on Monday night.
Manchester United suffered a 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace to increase the pressure on the under-fire Erik ten Hag.
Mainoo started the game as a defensive-minded midfielder, but Paul Scholes just couldn’t understand where he was playing at times, as he told Premier League Productions (06/05/24 at 10:00 pm).
The legendary midfielder highlighted that the youngster was playing at left-back at times and leaving Christian Eriksen ‘on his own’ in the middle of the pitch.
Kobbie Mainoo against Crystal Palace
“We saw Mainoo, he was almost playing left-back at times,” said Scholes. “I am not sure what on God’s earth he was asked to do. He almost left Eriksen on his own in midfield. The gaps are so big.
“But it’s nothing new. This has been the story of the season. This is why they look like they are going to get beat five or six. That could have been 7-0 against Crystal Palace. That’s the most worrying and damaging thing. I have sat here quite upset and sad, but quite happy that it was only four.”
Manchester United need to protect Kobbie Mainoo
You just worry about the kid’s progression. If Man United continue down this current road, then they will drown him.
Mainoo is an outstanding talent. Yes, you should keep a lid on the hype, but the promise is there.
He is still a teenager, yet he is already playing 21 matches for his boyhood club this term and will add to his England caps in the summer at Euro 2024.
But sometimes, clubs can drag players down rather than the other way around. If Man United’s environment continues to be toxic and problematic, then it will prove to be a big issue for the young kids coming through.