Alan Shearer has been left amazed by the ‘unbelievable’ progress of one Manchester United player in less than a year.
It’s been a dreary season for Manchester United as Erik ten Hag has struggled in his tricky second season in charge at Old Trafford.
Injuries have been a massive hindrance, with the Dutchman hardly ever able to name a settled starting XI let alone his strongest one.
The likes of Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw have missed most of the season while Tyrell Malacia hasn’t played a single minute.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg: hardly any players have escaped unscathed so far this year and not missed at least one game.
Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Anthony Martial, Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane, Casemiro, Jonny Evans, Altay Bayindir, Amad Diallo, Christian Eriksen, Sofyan Amrabat, Antony and Tom Heaton have all been unavailable at points.
Any team in the world would struggle under such strain and United’s drastic drop-off in form is understandable if not excusable.
However, it’s not been all doom and gloom.
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Manchester United’s bright spot this season
The rise of teenager Kobbie Mainoo has been a massive highlight and even that was delayed for months due to an ankle injury he suffered in pre-season.
But Ten Hag has wanted to play the midfielder for ages and is now finally getting his wish. Mainoo has been fantastic.
Alan Shearer has been very impressed by his progress in less than a year and expects he will be in the England squad for Euro 2024.
He told The Athletic: “Mainoo definitely [should be in the England squad].
“Considering that this season he’s been unbelievable. What a story, given where he was last summer to where he is now.
“You haven’t got time to mess around when it comes to making an impression.
“The games are very limited so when you get an opportunity, you have to take it. I think Gordon has taken his, he impressed on Saturday [against Brazil], and Mainoo is another.”
Kobbie Mainoo’s incredible rise continues
The hype train has left the station and there’s no stopping its barreling momentum now. Mainoo is an international star.
If anyone already wasn’t aware of him after his exploits at such a young age for United, then they certainly were after he lit up Wembley.
He is still just 18 but won the Player of the Match award in his first start for England against Brazil on Saturday.
Mainoo looks to be the final piece in Gareth Southgate’s midfield alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, with the trio looking balanced, elegant and sturdy.
Mainoo is still so young so steps must be taken to ensure he doesn’t burn out quickly but his soaring progress is incredibly exciting.