Bryan Robson has insisted that one current Manchester United star is tapping into the same “ability” that fellow club legend Roy Keane had in his career.
The 67-year-old Manchester United legend remains the club’s longest-serving captain and was a widely influential figure during his spell at Old Trafford.
Bryan Robson retained the captain’s armband under Sir Alex Ferguson after the legendary former manager arrived as Ron Atkinson’s replacement in 1986.
The ex-United and England midfielder is held in high regard by Sir Alex Ferguson, who claimed that Robson was the best captain he ever had at Old Trafford.
Robson played alongside Roy Keane at the Premier League club after the 52-year-old Irishman was brought to United from Nottingham Forest in 1993.
Keane would later follow in the footsteps of Robson and become club captain after United legend Eric Cantona announced his sudden retirement from football.
The former United midfielder made a long-lasting mark at Old Trafford, with Keane considered one of the best captains in Premier League history.
Robson praises Man Utd star’s development
Bryan Robson admitted that he has been impressed by the development of Kobbie Mainoo, who is thriving in his breakthrough season at Manchester United.
Kobbie Mainoo has become a fan favourite at Old Trafford this season and his emergence in the first team under Erik ten Hag has been widely praised.
The 18-year-old United star has become a key midfield figure for Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag and firmly established his place in the first team.
Mainoo’s impressive campaign at United has even led to his senior debut with the England international team, with Gareth Southgate impressed with the teenager.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Robson has candidly opened up about seeing the England and United midfielder at the club’s Carrington training complex.
United’s legendary former captain said that Mainoo is “always polite to everyone” and praised the role that his father has had in the development of the youngster.
“I love the lad’s temperament,” Robson said.
“I see him at the training ground and he is always polite to everyone. That is a great start.
“I’ve heard his Dad is helpful and keeps his feet on the ground. My dad was a lorry driver and what he did was keep my feet on the ground and not get carried away with your own importance.
“That is a really important part at the age he is and the next couple of years of progression. He has the talent.”
Robson talks Mainoo and Keane claim
Mainoo has made 17 Premier League appearances – all of which have been starts – and has scored twice in the league for the Red Devils this season.
The Stockport-born player recently found the back of the net with a superb finish in United’s 2-2 Premier League draw with rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.
Robson has revealed that he is thrilled with Mainoo adding to his goalscoring tally, saying that it is a “massive part” for becoming a “top player.”
The United legend added that Mainoo is now tapping into an aspect that was in the arsenal of Keane, who was a commanding box-to-box midfielder at United.
Keane excelled as captain at the club, but the Sky Sports pundit’s midfield ability can be overlooked at times, including his goalscoring ability in the final third.
“Those goals he [Mainoo] has scored recently, I love that,” Robson continued.
“As a central midfielder, that is a massive part if you want to become a top player.
“Some central midfielders are very good at reading the game, breaking up the play and being in the right position all the time to set up play. But if you want to go to the highest level, you need goals to your game.
“Look at Rodri and the amount of goals he has scored. He is supposed to be their defensive midfield player.
“Roy Keane had that ability to do both. Paul Ince. These are great players I played with. Steven Gerrard was an all-round player who scored goals. It is great to see him [Mainoo] score goals in big games as well.”