Gareth Southgate has now admitted that he’s been simply blown away by one player at Manchester United this year.
Although their season has concluded, it’s certainly a busy time at Old Trafford right now as the future of Erik ten Hag is decided.
United’s end of season review is currently underway according to reports, one that will decide the fate of their current incumbent.
That being said, England manager Gareth Southgate is one of the names linked with the job – said to be a favourite of INEOS.
Southgate is said to be joined by the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi on that list.
Although, United have just told candidates on their shortlist that they may stick with Ten Hag after all.
That being said, the manager job isn’t Southgate’s only connection with Man United right now – he’ll also be overseeing three of their players in his England training squad.
Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo were all included, with Marcus Rashford famously missing out.
Gareth Southgate suggests he would trust Kobbie Mainoo to start for England at the Euros
Perhaps all three of the United players included could be earmarked for a starting role at the tournament.
Shaw and Maguire will need to prove their fitness, whereas Mainoo simply needs to prove he’s mentally and tactically ready.
That being said, Southgate spoke at length about Mainoo in an interview on Wednesday, precluding the squad meeting up.
Southgate praised Mainoo’s season, and perhaps suggested that he could be ready to start at the Euros.
He said: “The curious thing about young talent is how well they cope under pressure.
“You can see technical ability, everyone can see that, but then it’s about how tactically aware, how mature and ability to cope in big matches.
“When you are playing for a club like Manchester United you are always under the spotlight. He has shown that with them and with us in March.
“We have never been afraid to put young players in, if players are good enough we are not so concerned about their age. It’s helpful to have more evidence when you are making decisions on players.
“Kobbie has had an amazing season, really adjusted well, it’s fabulous for him to finish the season with a goal and a trophy at the end of it.”
The praise certainly bodes well for the young Manchester United star’s chances of starting at the Euros in the somewhat vacant role alongside Arsenal’s Declan Rice.
Perhaps Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher also have strong claims, Southgate certainly isn’t short of options.