Amad & Baleba mesmerised by Man Utd teammate who is ‘unbelievable for his age’
Manchester United duo Amad Diallo and Carlos Baleba have been captivated by Kobbie Mainoo, who is as impressive on the training ground as he on matchday.
The 21-year-old is one of the best talents to emerge from the club’s academy in the past decade or so.
The midfielder enjoyed his breakthrough during the 2023/24 campaign under Erik ten Hag, but then endured challenging times during Ruben Amorim’s reign.
Amad & Baleba delighted with Kobbie Mainoo
Last season, Mainoo was planning to follow in Scott McTominay’s footsteps by joining Napoli in January. Luckily for Man Utd, Michael Carrick arrived just in time to salvage the young man’s MUFC career.
The England international immediately regained his starting role in the 4-2-3-1 system and produced a stellar second half of the season, playing an integral role in United’s climb to third place in the table.
Mainoo isn’t only a fan favourite at Old Trafford, but he’s also vastly appreciated by his teammates.
According to Amad, the English midfielder has the ability to become not only the top star at the club, but also the best in the country.
“The best young player in EPL? It’s Kobbie Mainoo. How he plays, he has a lot of experience now, for his age he’s unbelievable,” said the Ivorian international in his interview with Sky Sports.
“He’s been pushing because he’s come through a difficult moment when Amorim was here. He’s worked hard and taken that moment to show that he can be the best player in the league.”
Baleba, who was also part of the same interview, revealed what it’s like to go against Mainoo in training.
“In training, playing in the same position, he was faster than me. He goes hard on me, but I like that. He’s really good.”
Mainoo & Carlos Baleba could be the perfect Man Utd duo
This season, Mainoo has been combining with Youri Tielemans in the double pivot. But while this partnership has allowed United to maintain possession, the team has been lacking a physical presence in the middle of the park.
With his ability to break the play and drive the ball forward, Baleba might just be the perfect partner for Mainoo.
After taking part in the friendly against Lausanne-Sport, the Cameroonian could be fit enough to make his competitive debut against Spurs on Saturday.
However, Mainoo’s presence in the starting lineup remains doubtful after dropping from the England squad due to a slight physical issue.
