Paul Scholes compares Kobbie Mainoo to legendary player he once named as his hardest-ever opponent

Paul Scholes has heaped praise on Kobbie Mainoo by comparing him to one of football’s best-ever players.

The 23/24 season started off in horrible fashion for Mainoo after he suffered an injury during United’s pre-season tour of the United States.

The 19-year-old made his return to the first team in November and has since become one of United’s best players.

He ended up scoring the winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

As a result of his performances, Mainoo earned a space in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.

During the tournament in Germany, Mainoo started the final against Spain, which ended in disappointment as the Three Lions fell to a 2-1 defeat.

Ahead of the new season, Mainoo is expected to play a huge role and United legend Scholes has heaped praise on the youngster by likening him to France legend Zinedine Zidane.

Former midfielder Scholes once named Zidane as his best opponent.

As reported by The Guardian, he said: “He’s the nearest thing I’ve seen to [Zinedine] Zidane in taking a ball, receiving the ball, cruising past people.

“I heard there was a young lad holding his own against Casemiro in training, sometimes better than him.”

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Scholes added: “But you have to go out and do it. The first time I saw him I remember that calmness. The way he received the ball with confidence; I just couldn’t believe such a young player could do that.

“That calmness didn’t come for me as quick as it did for Kobbie. I’d say it came five or six years into my career. That’s why it amazes me. He’s so relaxed, the game’s so easy to him. It’s almost like poetry in motion. That calmness will be vital throughout his career. It’s [something] just in you.

“The sky’s the limit for this lad if he keeps his head down. And he looks like the type who will stay on an even keel.”

On what Mainoo can do to improve, Scholes suggested: “He can probably win more games for his team.

“We’ve seen midfield players over the years who, when they score goals, they win games. [Steven] Gerrard and [Frank] Lampard, those kinds of people. With his personality, he can become a match-winner for United. A bit more consistently.”