Paul Scholes has already compared Leeds United target to Zinedine Zidane, ‘the sky’s the limit’
Leeds United are in desperate need of more midfielders after recent injuries to key players have emerged.
Both Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka face spells on the sidelines despite the new season still being in it’s infancy.
We saw as Leeds were thrashed 5-0 by Arsenal that Ilia Gruev is nowhere near the level required to play in the top-flight, showcasing the need for more midfielders to be brought in before the window closes.
Kobbie Mainoo has been linked with a move to Leeds, with the Manchester United youngster gaining praise from Paul Scholes.
Paul Scholes full of praise for Kobbie Mainoo as youngster welcomes Manchester United exit
Mainoo, 20, has a wealth of Premier League experience already despite his young age.
- Mainoo started 24 matches for Man United in the 2023/24 campaign
- Last season, he made 25 appearances with 19 starts
- The youngster has yet to feature in the Premier League this season and looks to be out of favour under Ruben Amorim
According to reports from Fabrizio Romano on X, Mainoo has made it clear to the Red Devils that he wants to leave the club on loan this summer in pursuit of regular football.
If Leeds could secure Mainoo’s signature, they would be signing a player whom Scholes has previously compared to Zinedine Zidane.
“He’s the nearest thing I’ve seen to Zidane in taking a ball, receiving the ball, cruising past people,” Scholes told The Guardian last year.
“I heard there was a young lad holding his own against Casemiro in training, sometimes better than him. 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.”
How does Kobbie Mainoo compare to Sean Longstaff?
Longstaff was one of the midfield recruits brought in to bolster Farke’s options in midfield.
A big selling point for the 27-year-old was the sheer amount of Premier League experience he had under his belt, but the former Newcastle man has failed to impress so far.
Longstaff did not stand out in United’s pathetic display against Sheffield Wednesday in midweek, leading supporters to question his actual quality.
With Leeds looking blunt in the final third, data suggests Mainoo would offer Leeds more creativity, whilst not compromising on defensive solidity.
| Premier League 2024/25 season | Kobbie Mainoo | Sean Longstaff |
| Big chances created | 4 | 0 |
| Interceptions (per game) | 0.8 | 0.3 |
| Tackles (per game) | 1.8 | 1.1 |
| Clearances (per game) | 0.5 | 0.3 |
Signing Mainoo would be a way for the 49ers to win back some of the Leeds faithful who have not been convinced with their business as of late.
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