Theo Walcott has lauded one Manchester United player for being elegant on the ball, and suggested that he looks absolutely fearless out on the pitch.
Positives have been hard to come by for Manchester United fans this season. There have been few signs of progress in Erik ten Hag’s side.
But there are a handful of reasons for optimism.
Rasmus Hojlund went through a real purple patch earlier in the year. Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho has impressed many behind the scenes.
But surely, there is no question over who has been the biggest revelation for United this season.
Theo Walcott so impressed by elegant Manchester United player
Kobbie Mainoo went into this season having made just three first-team appearances for Manchester United. And due to injury, he did not play at all before the end of November this term.
Mainoo now however, has secured his spot as one of the first names on the teamsheet; often upstaging the other central midfielders available to ten Hag.
The 18-year-old has already made his England debut and is in contention to make Gareth Southgate’s squad this summer.
Theo Walcott knows what it is like to go a major tournament as a youngster, having been included in England’s squad for the 2006 World Cup.
Walcott did not feature in Germany 18 years ago. However, speaking on talkSPORT, Walcott believes that Mainoo is already ready for the bigger stages.
“My situation was very different to his. I didn’t experience playing in the Premier League. I was only 17, so I had not had that experience of playing week-in, week-out, which he’s doing right now, so there’s a difference. But not just that, he’s playing above his age, he really is. There’s always new talents that come through, I get that. But we do need to have a bit of patience,” he said.
“But he’s ready for England. I think he’s the sort of lad that can cope with it, I really do, when you play for Man United as well, one of the biggest clubs in the world. If you’re playing for that week-in, week-out, you deserve to play for England, simple as that. I don’t care what anyone says. And I think the way he plays the game, he’s so elegant and he’s peaceful and he’s very calm.
“Look, I was a completely different player. I was all about pace and just fearless. Which he’s got as well, he’s fearless. I think that’s important to nurture that side of it, have some patience because there’s going to be ups and downs. Of course there will be.”
Midfielder will already be preparing for next challenge
Mainoo’s challenge will be to kick on when the expectations increase. He is arguably one of the United players to benefit from how poor ten Hag’s side have been.
Their form opened the door for these players to come in. And it is probably not too difficult for some to stand out.
But United will get their act together at some stage. As things stand, you would imagine that Mainoo will be one of those who plays a key role in their progress.
Walcott is absolutely right that everyone needs to be patient with Mainoo when his form does dip. But it is telling just how many players have been so impressed by his emergence.
The post 'Don't care what anyone says': Theo Walcott says he's been so impressed by how elegant Manchester United star is appeared first on TBR Football.