Ex-Manchester United defender Paul Parker claims that Kobbie Mainoo was right to request a loan move away from Old Trafford.
Speaking exclusively to Man U News (courtesy of WhichBookie), Parker said it’s a sign that the midfielder has the right attitude:
“I understand wanting to go out on loan and play. That makes me feel really pleased. I like him because he wants to play football, he’s not content with just sitting there like a lot of mega [stars] and just telling themselves, well, ‘I’m with Manchester United, I’ve got a nice tracksuit. And when I turn up, everyone asks for my autograph’.”
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“So he’s definitely got the right attitude; he wants to play. His agents got it right as well, cause there’s nothing negative popping out [in the press]… I just think he needs a run. He needs a run of games, an opportunity. Judging on one game, you can’t do it.”
Players should not be content to sit on the bench
As Parker rightly points out, the fact that Mainoo was looking to go out on loan suggests his main priority was game time. Especially in a World Cup year, he cannot afford to be on the sidelines if he wants to make the England squad.
Other players have shown that they are prepared to sit on their lucrative contracts, but careers are short, and Mainoo clearly feels that he needs to be playing regularly in order to continue progressing.
Man United were willing to sell Mainoo
More than one respected source claimed that the England international would have been sold if the Red Devils had received a fee in the region of £45m.
The likes of Tottenham and Chelsea were linked with a move for Mainoo, but it seems he was not interested in leaving the club on a permanent basis.
Read more from our exclusive interview with Parker as he discusses whether Benjamin Sesko should start against Manchester City