Roy Keane has explained why Kobbie Mainoo is nothing like Declan Rice (Picture: Getty)
Roy Keane feels Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo ‘lacks physicality’ and has played down comparisons to Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.
United legend Keane shared his thoughts on Mainoo on ITV before his former club’s FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City at Wembley on Sunday.
The 19-year-old midfielder has massively impressed since breaking into Erik ten Hag’s first team this season, drawing comparisons to the likes of Paul Scholes.
But Keane believes Mainoo is a different type of player to the likes of Arsenal’s Rice and Real Madrid’s Bellingham when asked about the trio ahead of kick-off.
Quizzed about Mainoo not being ‘big’ like fellow midfielders Rice and Bellingham, Keane said: ‘He lacks that physicality. He’s not six foot. But he’s smart.
‘He’s neat and tidy. He’s had a brilliant few months and there’s a chance he will go with England [to Euro 2024 this summer].
‘He’s done brilliant. We’ve seen all parts of his play. He’s smart, the way he covers. The fact he’s got quite a few important goals.
Roy Keane feels Kobbie Mainoo will benefit from Scott McTominay (Picture: Getty)
‘Scott McTominay is next to him, who is a bit more athletic, which helps him out. Let’s hope he keeps it up.’
Speaking back in February, fellow United legend Rio Ferdinand likened Mainoo to Clarence Seedorf.
‘He gives me vibes of Clarence Seedorf,’ Ferdinand said. The way he can manoeuvre in tight situations and manipulate the ball.
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‘He uses his body at times but can just shift it and pop it through his opponents’ legs.
‘He’s elusive at times as well. The control and the awareness to be able to pick his spot.
‘Some players see headlights there and back pages but he just thinks, ‘Well I’m going to go for it’ – and he just caresses it.’
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