Andy Townsend has issued his verdict on what Danny Mills said about Kobbie Mainoo after the Manchester United starlet was promoted to the full England squad for this international break.
It has been a meteoric rise for Kobbie Mainoo over the last few months. Before this season, the 18-year-old had only made three appearances for Manchester United in all competitions. And he had not featured for Erik ten Hag‘s side before the trip to Everton in late November.
Since then however, the teenager has established himself as one of the most exciting talents in the Premier League. Mainoo has received all kinds of plaudits. So it was no surprise that some were wondering whether he would find himself on Gareth Southgate’s radar.
He was initially called into the under-21 squad for this break. However, Mainoo produced an exceptional performance against Liverpool in the FA Cup at the weekend. And shortly after, it was confirmed that he would be with the senior squad.
Andy Townsend responds to Danny Mills’ reaction to Kobbie Mainoo making the England squad
Danny Mills suggested on talkSPORT that it is too soon for Mainoo given that he has only made 15 Premier League appearances in his career.
However, Andy Townsend has hit back at the claim that it is too early, insisting on talkSPORT that the rulebook needs to be thrown out of the window for some players.
“Fair play to Dan, he’s got his own thoughts on it,” he said.
“I just think that he plays Ally, he plays like someone who’s been playing for five or six seasons for me. And you can wait and you can wait, and when I hear him saying it’s better for him with the 21s at the minute. Oh come on, he’s playing for Man United. He’s one of their better players, at Manchester United in this period. Which has been incredibly difficult for a number of players that have come in for serious money at United.”
“So I absolutely would have him in the squad. And I’d be tempted to give him some game-time over the next couple of matches if I was Gareth. Because I think every now and again you get one come along that is different to the rest, doesn’t always need quite so long to wait and develop.
“Rooney was the same. When Rooney burst on the scene, Rooney was another one that you’re thinking well you can’t hold him back. He’s got to go in.”
Perfect time to have a look at Manchester United starlet
This is arguably the perfect time to have a look at Mainoo. Right now, you have to say that there are few central midfielders playing better than the Manchester United youngster.
On current form, he deserves to be considered for the Euro 2024 – even if he does not play a great deal. And thus, it would surely be better for Mainoo to have him around the group now when the only games are friendlies.
Certainly, plenty of England fans will want to see a midfield which sees Mainoo play behind a more advanced Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.
The post 'Oh come on': Andy Townsend left baffled by what TalkSPORT pundit has said about Kobbie Mainoo appeared first on TBR Football.