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Former Manchester United star and coach Nicky Butt has warned the club that they are at risk of losing Kobbie Mainoo if he continues playing at the same level he currently is.
Mainoo has picked up where he left last season, with a string of sensational performances for United so far this term.
After a very successful individual 2023/24 season that climaxed with his key involvement for England at the Euros, Mainoo has undoubtedly been one of United’s best players in the opening stages of this season.
The 19-year-old started all three of his side’s Premier League clashes vs. Fulham, Brighton & Hove Albion and more recently, Fulham.
Despite United’s struggles on the pitch, Mainoo has been tremendous. An analysis covered by The Peoples Person highlighted that the midfielder made an amazing 11 interceptions in the first three top-flight games. Only N’Golo Kante achieved the same feat in the 2020/21 campaign.
Mainoo is also leading Europe in terms of the best dribble success rate and is well ahead of other great players such as Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo.
Speaking after the Manchester United Legends’ match against Celtic on Saturday, Butt praised young Mainoo and warned that if he continues on the same trajectory, he will soon attract the interest of other clubs.
Butt remarked, “He’s a top player. I’ve known him for a long time, since he was a kid.”
“He has got amazing temperament for a young man, great ability, great feet. He’s got it all really and obviously he will be a very wanted man.”
The 1999 treble winner also opened up on the success the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool have enjoyed in recent years.
“Obviously it’s not easy being a Manchester United fan, seeing the success that they’re having. But you’ve just got to hold your hands up.”
“They’re both very good teams, great squads, good managers and you can only applaud them really… through gritted teeth. They’re both amazing football teams and squads and they play football the right way.”
United return to action next weekend when they travel to St Mary’s to face newly-promoted Southampton.
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