Harry Maguire of Manchester United believes that 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo has the potential to become the next Jude Bellingham for the England national team.

Mainoo recently made his Premier League debut for Manchester United and impressed with his performance, particularly in the FA Cup victory over Liverpool, which caught the attention of England manager Gareth Southgate. Maguire, who has been mentoring Mainoo at Old Trafford, stated that Mainoo possesses similar qualities to Bellingham, who has been excelling at Real Madrid.

When asked if Mainoo is ready for the challenges of international football, Maguire responded, “I don’t see why not.” He acknowledged that although experience in major tournaments is beneficial, young players sometimes perform without fear, which can lead to success. Maguire expressed his confidence in Mainoo’s abilities, emphasizing that despite being only 18, Mainoo demonstrates maturity and professionalism comparable to Jude when he was younger. Maguire commended Mainoo’s dedication and encouraged him to continue working hard and enjoying the game.

Maguire praised Mainoo’s skills, stating that he possesses all the necessary attributes and is particularly impressive with the ball. Maguire acknowledged the presence of several talented midfielders in the country, but expressed his belief that Mainoo will continue to develop and succeed due to his strong work ethic. Maguire also mentioned the importance of supporting Mainoo both on and off the pitch, drawing parallels to Marcus Rashford’s rise to prominence and the team’s commitment to making Mainoo feel welcomed in the Manchester United and England locker rooms.

Maguire emphasized that top players at Manchester United are responsible for nurturing young talents from the club’s youth teams, as the club has a history of providing opportunities to young players. He highlighted the role of experienced players in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for newcomers like Mainoo. Maguire believes that Manchester United’s recent FA Cup victory over Liverpool could be a turning point for the team, boosting their confidence for the remainder of the season.

After fulfilling his international duties with England against Brazil and Belgium, Maguire will return to Manchester for a Premier League match against Brentford on March 30th.