Man Utd told to build side around Kobbie Mainoo despite £155m summer transfer spend

· Mirror

Kobbie Mainoo was linked with a move away from Manchester United this summer and was expected to fall down the pecking order after a window that saw the Red Devils add to their midfield options

Michael Carrick has been told to make Kobbie Mainoo the central part of his Manchester United side. Mainoo, 21, has played a crucial role for the Red Devils this season.

He has started three out of their opening four games of the campaign, turning in eye-catching performances against Everton and Sabah in the Champions League.

His contribution is all the more remarkable given that United revamped their midfield in the summer - Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba all being signed for a combined £140m.

Despite that, former United star Owen Hargreaves believes the youngster should be one of the first names on the team sheet. Speaking on TNT Sports, he said: "I’ve never seen Kobbie play bad. Every time I watch him play football, I think, 'How can somebody not play this young man?'

> "I just think he’s a fabulous football player. Academy-grown, didn’t cost a club a pound, and when you think about some of the fees that these players are going for. Obviously, they signed Santos and Tielemans for £85 million combined.

> "Baleba was probably £70m. What would Kobbie be worth? It’s worth more than them all. No disrespect to any of them, but I just love his game."

He added: "You can just pass him the ball anywhere at any time. Technically, just so gifted, glides with the ball. That’s what a Man United midfielder needs to do at all times. Obviously, with Bruno in front of him, whether he plays as a six or an eight, he’s what you build around. He’s a star. I think he’s going to be a superstar. He’s only 21 years old, and he plays like he’s 30. That’s how he plays football in the most stressful environment – just chilled."

United boss Michael Carrick is also a massive fan. Speaking after his side's win against Sabah, he said: "He's a fantastic player, Kobbie. I think it's pretty obvious to see, you know, the way he is performing, playing that little bit deeper really and connecting the attacks.

> "[He's] starting the attacks and having a massive influence on our games. So, he's a real joy to have. He wants to learn, he wants to improve, he wants to listen. And he expresses himself on the pitch, you know, and it's great to see."

United are back in action this weekend as Carrick's side welcome local rivals Manchester City to Old Trafford.

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