‘They’re great players’ – Man Utd’s Mainoo names two footballers he wants to emulate

Kobbie Mainoo, one of Manchester United’s teenage midfielders has expressed his desire to emulate the successes of Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham following his maiden call-up to the English national team.

The 18-year-old, who possesses impressive dribbling and passing skills, has quickly become a vital figure in United’s squad since November.

Currently, he has started 14 of his team’s last 16 Premier League matches, racking up one goal in the process.

Originally expected to be selected for England U-21’s international games this month, Mainoo has been drafted into the senior squad for the first time.

In a recent interview with talkSPORT, he confirmed his interest in learning from the likes of Saka and Bellingham on how to rapidly settle in with the men’s international team, saying: “Yes, definitely, [I want] to follow in the footsteps of them. They have been amazing.

“They have come up and stayed up so quickly. They are both great players.”