Kobbie Mainoo stars as Manchester United cruise past Sabah in Champions League return
Manchester United marked their Champions League return with a 4-0 win over debutants Sabah at Old Trafford on Thursday, with Kobbie Mainoo again central to Michael Carrick’s midfield plans.
Mainoo holds his place under Carrick
Carrick retained Mainoo alongside Youri Tielemans in midfield for the European tie, continuing the selection that has helped revive the 21-year-old’s role at United.
Mainoo had slipped down the pecking order during Ruben Amorim’s time in charge, but has flourished since Carrick took over. The academy graduate produced another assured display as United swept aside Sabah in their opening Champions League appearance of the campaign.
- Manchester United 4-0 Sabah
- Venue: Old Trafford
- Competition: Champions League
- Mainoo started alongside Youri Tielemans
- Sabah were making their tournament debut
Hargreaves: Mainoo is the player to build around
Owen Hargreaves hailed Mainoo after the final whistle, arguing that the midfielder’s quality should make him untouchable in the United side.
“I’ve never seen Kobbie play bad,” Hargreaves said. “Every time I watch him, I wonder how anyone could leave this young man out. He is a fabulous footballer.”
Hargreaves pointed to Mainoo’s rise from the United academy, contrasting his zero transfer cost with the money spent elsewhere in midfield. United signed Santos and Tielemans for a combined £85 million, while Baleba was valued at around £70m.
“What would Kobbie be worth?” Hargreaves added. “More than all of them. No disrespect to the others, but I love his game.”
Technical quality praised
The former United midfielder highlighted Mainoo’s ability to receive possession under pressure and carry the ball forward, qualities he believes are essential in the club’s engine room.
Hargreaves said Mainoo can be trusted with the ball in any area of the pitch, describing him as technically gifted and smooth in possession. He also backed him to operate either as a No. 6 or No. 8, with Bruno Fernandes ahead of him.
“He is who you build around,” Hargreaves said. “He is a star and I think he will be a superstar. He is only 21, but plays like he is 30. In the most stressful environment, he stays calm.”
What happens next
United now face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday. Carrick will look to Mainoo’s composure again as his side attempt to halt City’s perfect start.
With his place now firmly established, Mainoo is expected to remain a key figure in United’s midfield for the derby and the demanding run of domestic and European fixtures ahead.
