Mainoo could force his way into the England team by next summer (Picture: Getty)
Louis Saha is confident Kobbie Mainoo can force his way into the England picture the same way Paris Saint-Germain sensation Warren Zaire-Emery has done with France.
The 18-year-old was handed his first Premier League start against Everton on Sunday, turning in a superb display in midfield to help United ease to a 3-0 win.
Erik ten Hag called upon the academy graduate in the second-half of the Champions League thriller on Wednesday night with Mainoo expected to be back in the side to take on Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday.
The teenager has represented England at youth level but is also eligible to play for Ghana. His impressive early performances for United have even prompted talk of him being a wildcard pick for Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad for next summer.
Former United striker Saha believes Mainoo’s emergence will certainly give the England boss something to think about, comparing the situation to that of PSG star Zaire-Emery, who won his first cap for France this month at the age of 17 after a breakout year for his club.
‘A good comparison is Warren Zaire-Emery from PSG, who is just 17 and has had a run of games and now looks likely to go to the Euros with France,’ Saha told Betting Odds.
‘If Mainoo brings consistency and keeps playing at a high level then he could definitely give Southgate something to think about.’
Mainoo has represented England at youth level (Picture: Getty)
Mainoo has taken his chance with Casemiro currently sidelined through injury and Sofyan Amrabat’s indifferent form since arriving on loan from Fiorentina.
Saha believes the presence of the two experienced midfielders will be key to Mainoo continuing his impressive start.
‘It was an incredible start for Mainoo, especially considering he has just come back from an injury.
‘He showed confidence, willingness to receive the ball and had great positioning which at a young age is very impressive. It’s a good start, and now he needs to find consistency in his game to reach the top.
‘He will have to lean on the more experienced players like Casemiro and Amrabat, both of which can really help his development.
‘We can see straight away he has so much quality and he will be an incredible asset for Manchester United and Erik ten Hag, because he needs players like Mainoo who are energetic and aggressive.’
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