Roy Keane Compares Kobbie Mainoo to Two Man Utd Legends After First England Call Up

• Kobbie Mainoo is enjoying a breakout season for Manchester United
• The youngster earned his first England national team call-up days ago
• United legend Roy Keane has compared him to two former teammates

Kobbie Mainoo is enjoying rave reviews after earning his first England senior national team call-up and has been compared to two Manchester United legends.

Mainoo was permanently promoted to the first team by Erik ten Hag and has been a mainstay in the United midfield, combining well with established first-team stars.

Per The Athletic, the youngster is also eligible to play for Ghana through his parents, gladly accepted the Three Lions invitation by Gareth Southgate, all but ending rumours around his international allegiance.

Keane compares Mainoo to legends

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United legend Roy Keane is one of English football's fiercest pundits and very stingy with praises, so whenever he does, best believe he meant every bit of it.

He joined the Mainoo praise train while speaking on Stick to Football Podcast, and he compared the 18-year-old to two phenomenal midfielders who have played for the Red Devils.

“I'd say that Kobbie Mainoo compares more to Nicky than Paul Scholes, but that's because Scholes played further forward when he first joined Manchester United… I would put Mainoo on par with Nicky and Scholes in their first three months at the club,” he said.

“It's all about how players settle into the first team and how they cope with the challenges, playing at Old Trafford, but from what I've seen, Mainoo looks great, but he's got lots to learn in that position.”

He could make his debut in one of the friendly games against Brazil or Belgium, while some fans believe he should partner Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in midfield at Euro 2024.

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Mainoo set for new contract

Sports Brief reported on United being ready to reward Mainoo’s form with a new bumper contract, with the academy graduate enjoying an excellent breakout season.

Though his current deal expires in 2027, and the club holds an option of another year, he is set to be signed to a new contract with an increased salary, underlining the club's trust in him.