Gary Neville believes Kobbie Mainoo is an excellent player but has raised questions over whether Manchester United have found the right midfield partner for him.
Kobbie Mainoo has impressed in the early stages of the season, but Gary Neville feels the 21-year-old looked more effective alongside Casemiro last campaign. The former Manchester United defender believes their understanding helped both players.
“He is a very good football player,” Neville said on The Overlap.
“I think that, I must admit when I saw him playing with Casemiro last season, I thought okay, they were in sync with each other. They understood each other. There was a level of thinking.”
Neville is less convinced by Mainoo’s current partnerships with Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, particularly when it comes to United’s defensive work.
Neville wants to see Mainoo with the right partner
“I think Kobbie Mainoo right now when I am watching I think he’s doing well, but I still don’t think the right person’s alongside him,” Neville said.
He compared the situation to Roy Keane and Paul Scholes, arguing that even outstanding players can struggle when their styles do not complement each other.
“So, I think he still needs the partner, and I do think it happens.”
Neville also believes United still need to work out exactly what role Kobbie Mainoo will play. He questioned whether the midfielder will be asked to hold his position more or push forward if Carlos Baleba comes into the team.
“So, I think Kobbie’s question is what is he, what’s he going to be for Utd this year?”
Despite those doubts, Neville was clear that he remains a huge admirer of Mainoo’s ability.
“He’s young and he’s still not sort of developed properly, but he’s an excellent player, he’s an excellent player.”
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