Hargreaves Tips Kobbie Mainoo for Stardom at Manchester United
Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves believes Kobbie Mainoo has the qualities to become one of the club’s next great stars after another impressive performance in the Red Devils’ Champions League victory over Sabah FK.
Mainoo started alongside Youri Tielemans in central midfield as Manchester United cruised to a 4-0 win over the Azerbaijani side at Old Trafford on Friday. Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Sesko and Lisandro Martinez were on the scoresheet as Michael Carrick’s team began their European campaign in convincing fashion.
The match also represented another positive step for Mainoo, who has been handed greater responsibility since Carrick took charge.
The England international endured a difficult 2025/26 season under Ruben Amorim, when his opportunities were significantly limited. Under Carrick, however, Mainoo appears to be rediscovering the confidence and rhythm that previously made him one of the club’s most highly rated young players.
Hargreaves has been particularly impressed by the midfielder’s consistency.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him have a bad game. Every time I watch him, I ask myself why he doesn’t play more often,” Hargreaves said, as quoted by TNT Sports.
“I think he is an outstanding player who came through the club’s academy, so Manchester United didn’t have to spend money to sign him. Without disrespecting anyone, I think his value is higher than some of the midfielders the club have brought in.”
The former Bayern Munich midfielder also highlighted Mainoo’s technical ability, particularly his capacity to change the direction and tempo of an attack.
That quality could become increasingly important for United, especially with Bruno Fernandes operating further ahead. Hargreaves believes the pair could complement each other effectively, with Mainoo providing control from deeper areas while Fernandes contributes closer to the final third.
“Kobbie is a star, and he is going to be the next star,” Hargreaves added.
“He is only 21 and plays like a 30-year-old. He plays in the middle of the pitch in a game where there is always pressure.”
Mainoo’s development remains one of the most intriguing aspects of Carrick’s early tenure. His technical security, composure and ability to operate under pressure give United a midfield profile that has been difficult to reproduce consistently in recent years.
The victory over Sabah provided another glimpse of that potential. With a Manchester derby against City approaching, Mainoo could now have another opportunity to demonstrate that he belongs at the heart of United’s long-term plans.
For Hargreaves, the ceiling appears particularly high. And if Mainoo can maintain his current trajectory, the academy graduate could soon develop into one of the most important players in Carrick’s Manchester United project.
