Sport

Ian Wright says Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo ‘has to be in the next England squad’

Imagine a midfield of Rice, Mainoo and Bellingham. Wow.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 19th February 2024

England and Arsenal legend Ian Wright has come out to insist that Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo needs to be included in the next England squad following yet another impressive senior performance this weekend.

Having now made a dozen Premier League appearances and 11 consecutive starts, the 18-year-old from Stockport has quickly become one of the first names on the teamsheet for Man United as they continue their unbeaten start to 2024.

Erik ten Hag’s side made hard work of their 2-1 away to Luton Town on Sunday, missing multiple one-on-one chances and allowing them back into the game despite a dream start, but still hung on to make it six wins out of the last seven games — and Mainoo has more than played his part.

Speaking just an hour after kick-off at Kenilworth Road, when the crowd-stirring goal turned the stadium into a cauldron that has eaten up a number of teams this season, Ian Wright hopped on social media to praise Mainoo for remaining the calm amongst the storm.

Big words for a player who’s only just made a dozen appearances in the Prem.

As you can see, Wrighty praised the central midfielder for demonstrating “such maturity in chaotic conditions that we’ve not seen from an England player in a long time”, adding that he has been impressed with every game he’s watched and simply “has to be in the next squad”.

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He is by no means the only one to have lumped praise of the United academy prospect turned first-team starter either, as fans online reacted by writing, “Mainoo is genuinely one of the best young midfielders I’ve seen in a long, long time. I can’t believe he’s only 18”, and one joking, “Ballon d’Or isn’t enough we need to give Mainoo the Nobel Prize”.

Club legend Peter Schmeichel said that it looks like he’s been playing football at the top level “for the past 10 years”, while journalist, podcaster and lifelong fan Jay Motty went so far as to say he was “almost embarrassed by the way Mainoo is far and away the most composed United player on the pitch.”

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The teenager had the stats to back it up too and even managed to nearly equal an in-match club record by completing a total of six dribbles in a league match, the most by any Red Devil since Paul Pogba (seven) in April of 2022.

Rasmus Højlund might have got the goals but for many Mainoo was the star of the show.

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Whether or not the youngster is ready to help run the show in the middle of the park for England or not remains to be seen, especially given how early into his career he is, but that hasn’t stopped countless fans from dreaming of a Declan Rice, Mainoo and Jude Bellingham midfielder three.

Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate still has a few months to make his final 23-man selection for Euro 2024 over in Germany but many England supporters, United fans or not, will be hoping the Greater Manchester talent is at least included in the travelling squad.

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Moreover, with previous Southgate favourites like Mason Mount and Kalvin Phillips yet to get going this season, there are at least two central midfielder spots up for contention.

Would you have Kobbie Mainoo in your England squad or is this all sounding a little too much too soon?

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — BBC/Man United/Kobbie Mainoo (via Instagram)

Sport

Tommy Fury announces huge fight against former World’s Strongest Man Eddie Hall

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

Tommy Fury has announced his next major boxing match – against a rather unlikely opponent.

The Manc boxer and former Love Island star will face Eddie Hall, who once reigned as the World’s Strongest Man and was the first person on the planet to deadlift 500kg.

The match, billed as Beauty vs The Beast (we’ll let you decide who’s who…), will take place at the AO Arena this summer.

Tommy Fury and Eddie Hall will be facing off in Manchester as part of the Misfits Boxing series, a sports promotion company founded by YouTube sensation KSI.

26-year-old Fury – younger brother of heavyweight legend Tyson Fury – remains unbeaten, seeing off all-comers in the crossover boxing world.

As for 38-year-old Eddie Hall (nicknamed The Beast), he retired as a strongman competitor, where he’s previously been crowned the World’s Strongest Man, and has now pivoted into combat sports.

The pair have collaborated recently on several videos online, taking on challenges like a One Punch Knockout and a breakfast eating competition.

But this will be the first time they’ve publicly faced off in the ring.

Misfirst Boxing has once more delivered the biggest match-ups possible in the crossover boxing space, with Fury vs. Hall promising to be a titanic tussle that will captivate fans around the world.

Tommy Fury vs Eddie Hall, Beauty vs The Beast, will take place on Saturday 13 June at the AO Arena in Manchester – you can get tickets HERE.

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Featured image: Publicity picture

Sport

Corey Blackett-Taylor ruled out injured for the rest of the season

Danny Jones Danny Jones Corey Blackett-Taylor ruled out injured for rest of the season

Bolton Wanderers winger Corey Blackett-Taylor has been ruled out for the rest of the season following injury.

With not that long left in this year’s campaign and the playoff scrap set to ramp up even further in the coming weeks, it’s an unfortunate twist of fate for the Trotters.

Despite still being only a relatively recent signing, having just joined Bolton in the most recent January transfer window, it didn’t take long for him to make a good impression.

Scoring on debut in a 1-0 away win against AFC Wimbledon, the 28-year-old is now set to miss the remainder of the 2025/26 term, letting supporters know the news on Friday, 27 March.

Blackett-Taylor was forced off in the game against Rotherham United after pulling up in the wake of taking a shot, ultimately being subbed in the first half.

It was quickly confirmed to be a thigh injury, and while the specific nature and severity of the damage haven’t been fully detailed, he has now informed fans that his season is over.

Writing on Instagram, he said: “Instantly from arriving at the club, I felt the passion and support from the fans, club, staff and players.

“I have no doubts [about] the club achieving their targets of promotion – I want to say a huge thank you for making me feel so welcomed and comfortable. Unfortunately, my season is concluded due to my injury, but I’ll be here supporting the team to the very end.”

He isn’t the only impactful League One player at a side eyeing up the Championship to have been hampered by setbacks on the physio bench, with rivals Stockport County also confirming an absence at this crucial point in the campaign.

Stockport County defender Brad Hills ruled out for the rest of the season

Not ideal for either of the Greater Manchester hopefuls.

Once again, while the recovery period for both of these players has already begun, the exact timelines for their return remain to be seen.

That being said, chances are we’ll see the Derby County loanee back in action before Hills, though we’ll have to wait to find out whether it will be at the Toughsheet Stadium or back with his parent club.

Who do you think is going to clinch that third promotion place at Wembley come this May?

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Bolton Wanderers FC

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