Graeme Souness Slams "Naive" Manchester United Star Kobbie Mainoo Over Euro 2024 Performances
In the wake of England’s disappointing exit from the European Championships, former Three Lions defender Graeme Souness has had his say on Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo’s performances in the tournament. Speaking to the Up Front podcast, the football legend was scathing in his assessment of the 19-year-old midfielder’s game.
Mainoo was drafted into Gareth Southgate’s starting lineup for England’s quarter-final and semi-final matches, where he impressed many with his tenacious displays. However, he struggled to make an impact in the final against Spain, which the hosts won 2-1. Despite this, Souness felt that the youngster’s performances were characterized by his naivety and lack of positional discipline.
"I think he’s really good on the ball, he’s very talented on the ball," Souness began. "But he doesn’t fully understand the position. He wanders, he empties the middle of the field too readily."
The pundit went on to point out that Mainoo’s positional uncertainty had been evident even in England’s warm-up games. Against Iceland, he was prone to taking unnecessary risks, attempting to intercept passes and make tackles instead of letting the opposition have possession.
However, it wasn’t just Mainoo’s lack of defensive discipline that annoyed Souness. He also criticized the youngster for not taking risks in the opposition’s half, instead choosing to retreat deep and play the percentages. As a result, the Manchester United player failed to provide England’s attack with any genuine momentum.
"England were at their best when they went a goal behind," Souness argued. "All of a sudden they started taking risks. They had to be braver and risk making a mistake, risk passing it forward or trying to play someone in."
While Souness’s words were critical, they also served as a cautionary tale for Mainoo as he looks to continue his development with England. With the likes of Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham competing for midfield places, Mainoo will need to work on his decision-making and positional awareness to carve out a consistent role in the national team.
Ultimately, while Mainoo may not have made the most of his chances at Euro 2024, his youthful exuberance and ability to compete against top-level opponents at the tender age of 19 should serve as a promising foundation for the years ahead.
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