Gareth Southgate sent Kobbie Mainoo warning from former Man Utd star which fans may disagree with

Gareth Southgate has been sent a Kobbie Mainoo warning ahead of Euro 2024 this summer.

Mainoo has emerged as a late contender Southgate's 23-man squad after a string of impressive displays for Manchester United.

After a spell out injured, the 18-year-old made his first start of the season against Everton in November.

He was named Man of the Match at Goodison Park and has quickly developed into a regular under Erik ten Hag, showing his importance with a glorious winning goal against Wolves.

Mainoo has played for England at various youth levels and there has been plenty of clamour for him to be fast-tracked into the senior squad.

Southgate was in attendance at Villa Park to see Mainoo's latest performance but former United forward Louis Saha believes he shouldn't go to the Euros.

He told Betfred: “I’m sure Gareth Southgate is already looking at him but I think it’s too early for him to be seriously considered for the Euros as he has only played a handful of games.

"It doesn’t protect the young lad as sometimes things like this can damage young players and their capacity to grow and understand the game. Of course, Manchester United is a beast and it’s the best platform to jump into the national team straightaway, but it’s not that easy.

“We’ve seen what those things have done to the likes of Marcus Rashford, for example. When you are raising the roof at that age, it’s not easy to maintain that level because you have tremendous competition and pressure, so Kobbie has to take it step by step.”

Image: Getty

Mainoo is also eligible to play for Ghana through his parents and Ghana FA Board member Randy Abbey recently expressed hope in him representing the Black Stars.

A recent report from the Daily Mail states that Mainoo would accept a call-up from England even though he is yet to make an immediate decision.

FIFA eligibility rules dictate that a player can switch international allegiance as long as they have only played in non-competitive fixtures.

Topics: Gareth Southgate, Manchester United, Kobbie Mainoo, England, Euro 2024

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@joshlawless_