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‘He has no ceiling’: Former Red says United now have their own Jude Bellingham in their ranks

Originally posted on Stretty News | By Isabel Ryan | Last updated 4/12/24

Louis Saha believes Manchester United now have their own Jude Bellingham-esque talent in their ranks following the recent emergence of Kobbie Mainoo.

The 18-year-old continues to receive plaudits across the board with every scintillating showing he displays each week. More recently, he provided an outrageous, curled finish against Liverpool – the then-league leaders – to take the lead in the high-stakes rivalry clash, before the spoils were ultimately shared through a late Mohamed Salah penalty.

Nevertheless, Mainoo has perhaps been the most promising thing to take from this season. Of course, it’s not over yet, and an FA Cup win would be a remarkable feat given how turbulent the term has been up to this stage, but having a situation where a ready-made midfielder with world-class potential works his way through the academy and into the first-team doesn’t come around all too often.

He’s now cemented his place into Erik ten Hag’s 11, therefore keeping senior counterparts Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat on the bench, and is in serious contention to make England’s Euros squad despite only making his debut last month.

Saha shares glowing review of Mainoo

Weighing in on the teenager’s transition to senior football and his potential, Saha said (via Sportskeeda ): “Kobbie Mainoo can be Manchester United’s Jude Bellingham! He’s got the skills, the composure. He’s one of those players who has grown quicker than normal, and he’s showing real maturity at 18, especially considering he’s playing in an unstable squad.

“Manchester United’s form is all over the place and we saw it against Chelsea and against Liverpool. Having a player like Mainoo who can surprise the opposition with his calmness and out of nowhere, he’s able to produce some magic, so he has no ceiling.”

This article first appeared on Stretty News and was syndicated with permission.

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