“Start ‘Real Deal’ Kobbie Mainoo in Manchester United’s next games” — Paul Scholes tells Ten Hag

England legend, Paul Scholes is urging Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to give Kobbie Mainoo a consistent run of games in the midfield, emphasizing that the 18-year-old could be the solution to bolster the team’s defensive stability.

Despite an early two-goal lead against Galatasaray in the Champions League, United faced a setback and eventually settled for a 3-3 draw. Scholes believes Mainoo, who showcased a majestic display against Everton, should be a regular starter to address defensive issues.

It’s common sense to bring in players around [the centre-backs] so they stop getting exposed as they are doing,’ said Scholes on TNT Sports.

‘I think Mainoo could be the big plus to this team, and he needs a run of games.

‘He looks like a player who can protect his back four, but he can also take the ball as well, he can receive the ball, he can start attacks as well – which is needed.

‘I think he senses danger and, from what we say at Everton on Sunday, I think now is the time to give this lad a chance.’

He continued: ‘I think they’d be better having Mainoo in there as the protector, because this back four they need protecting.

‘I don’t think anybody else in the team has the legs and athleticism and quality on the ball as well and senses danger as much as this young lad.

‘Now I’ve not seen loads of him, but what we’ve seen from just that little glimpse on Sunday – in a hostile atmosphere – he looked like the real deal.

‘Now it’s early, but he needs to be given a run of games. He needs to be because I don’t see anybody else being able to protect that back four like he can.’

Scholes contends that Mainoo’s ability to sense danger and his performance against Everton make it imperative to give the young player a chance with a consistent run of games. 

Owen Hargreaves concurs, emphasizing the need for defensive solidity to progress in competitions.

“I think he will come back in, because they’re just conceding far too many goals”

“To concede the amount of goals that they have [14 goals in five Champions League games], you’re not going to be able to get into the knockout stages with that. They have to tidy up the mistakes and be defensively solid.”