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Ex-Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham (Picture: Getty)
Teddy Sheringham believes Leeds United should make a move for Manchester United outcast Kobbie Mainoo, insisting the England midfielder simply needs the right manager to get the best out of him.
Under boss Ruben Amorim, the 20-year-old has slipped down the pecking order in a system the Portuguese manager does not believe suits his strengths.
Amorim favours a midfield set-up with one attacking player alongside a defensive-minded partner.
This means Mainoo is effectively competing with Old Trafford captain Bruno Fernandes for a singular position.
With Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte also in the mix, the United academy graduate has found himself playing just 100 minutes so far in the Premier League this season.
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However, not long ago Mainoo was tipped as one of Europe’s brightest stars and one of the most exciting players at Manchester United.
He finished runner-up to Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal in the 2024 Golden Boy Award and started for England in the Euros final.
Brentford v Manchester United - Premier League
Manchester United outcast Kobbie Mainoo (Picture: Getty)
The Carrington graduate, who scored in the 2023 FA Cup final win over Manchester City, was introduced in the 66th minute against Brentford on Saturday but could not prevent United from slipping to a 3-1 defeat.
That result piled more pressure on Amorim, who is still waiting for back-to-back league wins since replacing Erik ten Hag as United manager.
In search of regular minutes, Mainoo pushed for a loan move in the summer and Leeds were among the clubs linked.
Speaking to the Yorkshire Post, former United striker Sheringham said Elland Road would be the perfect destination for Mainoo
Leeds United v Bournemouth - Premier League
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke (Picture: Getty)
‘Yes – without a doubt,’ he said. ‘Not even six months ago, he was in the England set-up and people were raving about him. He can’t be that bad a player.
‘He just needs someone who loves the way he plays. This game is all opinions and just because Amorim doesn’t fancy him, it doesn’t mean to say [Daniel] Farke won’t get the best out of him.
‘Put an arm around him and tell him how good he is, team him up with someone in midfield who accommodates him and all of a sudden, you’ve got a player back on your hands.’
Why Mainoo would strengthen Leeds
Leeds, who have started the season strongly with wins over Wolves and Everton, are already well-stocked with central midfielders.
Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, Ao Tanaka, Sean Longstaff and Ilia Gruev are all competing for places, but they lack depth further forward.
Mainoo’s ability to play as both a central and advanced midfielder could make him a valuable addition if Leeds were willing to test United’s resolve.
Competition for his signature would likely be fierce with Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle all reportedly monitoring the situation.
However, Mainoo may be wise to bide his time as it remains unclear whether the hierarchy will stick with Amorim if results do not improve.
Manchester United welcome Sunderland to Old Trafford on Saturday, while Leeds host Spurs in the early kick-off.
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