Kobbie Mainoo Snubs Messi and Cristiano as He Names 4 Favourite Players Ever

Kobbie Mainoo Snubs Messi and Cristiano as He Names 4 Favourite Players Ever

Fred Kennedy
March 21, 2024 at 3:04 PM
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K.Mainoo
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Wayne Rooney logo
W. Rooney
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  • Kobbie Mainoo has named four of his favourite footballers ever
  • The Man United youngster snubbed Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
  • Mainoo recently earned a call-up with the England senior team

Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo has snubbed Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo while naming his four favourite players.

Mainoo has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent weeks, with the United academy graduate quickly establishing himself as a key member of Erik ten Hag's squad.

Kobbie Mainoo leaves the pitch during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton FC at Old Trafford. Photo by Alex Livesey.
Kobbie Mainoo leaves the pitch during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton FC at Old Trafford. Photo by Alex Livesey.
Source: Getty Images

According to the BBC, injuries and lack of form for key United midfielders like Casemiro and Christian Eriksen opened a door for Mainoo to secure a place in the team.

The teenage sensation made his first senior appearance for the Red Devils against Everton in November and has gone on to feature 20 times for the team.

One of his greatest highlights came in February when he scored a stunning individual 97th-minute winner for United in a 4-3 victory against Wolves at Molineux.

The youngster's impressive performances have also earned him a call-up with the England senior team ahead of the international break.

Mainoo names his favourite players ever

Like every other budding footballer, Mainoo also has a number of iconic players that he idolises.

While many would settle for Messi and Ronaldo, the 18-year-old has a completely different perspective.

The England star named three United icons in his list of four legends that he looks up to, with Brazil icon, Ronaldinho, also making the cut.

“I’d say Wayne Rooney. Paul Scholes as well. And King Eric (Cantona). He was a bit before my time, but I still appreciate him," he said via The Sun.
“And Ronaldinho played with a smile on his face, and he played freely. I think everyone loves Ronaldinho. How can you not? I mean, he was a great player," he added.

Most talented teenagers in the world

Earlier, Sports Brief analysed the most talented teenage footballers in the world.

Mainoo leads a list of talented teenagers who have already settled in at their respective clubs as they seek to lead the future generation of world-class players.

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Fred Kennedy
Fred Kennedy has a Bachelor's degree in journalism (Daystar University), currently working as a Sports Editor. He has more than five years of experience in digital journalism.
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