Manchester United great Nemanja Vidic has compared Kobbie Mainoo to former Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric after his impressive display against Liverpool.
Mainoo has quickly cemented himself as an undisputed starter under Erik ten Hag this season, having been promoted from the academy ranks after catching the eye.
His rapid rise also saw him make his England senior debut in the defeat by Brazil at Wembley, with team-mates and pundits alike showering praise on the 18-year-old.
The youngster shone again in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool at the weekend after netting a wondergoal to fire United ahead against their historic rivals at Old Trafford.
Mainoo twisted cleverly inside the penalty area after receiving the ball to his feet and bent a stunning strike into the top corner, his first-ever home goal for the club.
Manchester United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo caught the eye in the draw with Liverpool
Nemanja Vidic praised Mainoo and compared him to former Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric
And Vidic, speaking at the final whistle, lauded the prodigy’s in-game awareness.
‘Mainoo has been fantastic, especially his awareness in these areas,’ Vidic told Premier League Productions. ‘He reminds me sometimes of Modric.
‘He always feels who is behind him. You can see, he took the first touch, straight away moved to the side, then it was a great strike. He’s difficult to defend against.’
Mainoo has proven his versatility in both deeper and more advanced midfield roles since stepping into the first-team but his long-term, first-choice position is unclear.
Wayne Rooney, however, believes he is better suited to playing further forward.
Vidic believes Mainoo shares Modric’s ability to scan around him and make good decisions
Mainoo scored a wondergoal against Liverpool after cutting in and bending into the corner
‘Yes, he is [more than a holding midfielder],’ Rooney said. ‘I watched him play against Nottingham Forest as well. He played a little higher, so he can certainly do that.
‘When he got the ball he drove at the Liverpool backline. Great first touch and the finish is incredible.’
The wonderkid has started each of United’s last 15 Premier League games and is also in contention to make England’s European Championship squad.
Ten Hag shared his pride over Mainoo’s progression earlier this season, saying: ‘We are very happy for him and proud for the academy to bring up such a player.
‘It’s a big compliment for the whole club, and for all the ones who worked with him during his academy time. It’s very good news for Manchester United.’
