Hargreaves urges Man United to build around Mainoo despite £155m midfield overhaul

Owen Hargreaves has insisted Manchester United should build their team around Kobbie Mainoo, arguing the 21-year-old academy product is worth more than any of the club’s summer midfield signings combined.

Mainoo has started three of United’s opening four fixtures this season, impressing in league action against Everton and in the Champions League against Sabah — this despite the club spending approximately £155m to reshape their midfield, bringing in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for a combined £85m and Carlos Baleba for around £70m.

“I’ve never seen Kobbie play bad,” Hargreaves said. “Every time I watch him play football, I think, ‘How can somebody not play this young man?’ I just think he’s a fabulous football player. Academy-grown, didn’t cost a club a pound, and when you think about some of the fees that these players are going for — Santos and Tielemans for £85 million combined, Baleba probably £70m — what would Kobbie be worth? It’s worth more than them all. No disrespect to any of them, but I just love his game.”

Hargreaves went further, arguing Mainoo’s composure and technical quality make him the natural fulcrum of United’s midfield alongside Bruno Fernandes. “You can just pass him the ball anywhere at any time. Technically, just so gifted, glides with the ball. That’s what a Man United midfielder needs to do at all times. Whether he plays as a six or an eight, he’s what you build around. He’s a star. He’s only 21 years old, and he plays like he’s 30 — just chilled in the most stressful environment.”

Manager Michael Carrick has echoed that assessment. Speaking after the win over Sabah, Carrick said: “He’s a fantastic player, Kobbie. The way he is performing, playing that little bit deeper really and connecting the attacks, starting the attacks and having a massive influence on our games. He’s a real joy to have. He wants to learn, he wants to improve, he wants to listen. And he expresses himself on the pitch — it’s great to see.”

Mainoo had been linked with a departure from Old Trafford during the summer window, with some expecting him to slip down the pecking order following the club’s significant investment in his position. Those concerns appear unfounded so far, with the England international cementing his place in Carrick’s starting eleven.

United’s next test comes this weekend when they host Manchester City at Old Trafford.