Former Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling appeared to snub teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo as one of Manchester United’s two best players this season.
Kobbie Mainoo has had a breakout season at Old Trafford and the Manchester United midfielder has impressed with his performances this season.
The 18-year-old United star has become a regular in the first-team squad this season, with Mainoo making 15 Premier League starts for his club.
Erik ten Hag is a big admirer of Mainoo and has been impressed with his development in the senior squad after he rose through the United academy.
Mainoo’s impressive campaign at Old Trafford even caught the eye of Gareth Southgate, who initially snubbed the United teenager for an England call-up.
However, England manager Gareth Southgate later made a U-turn on his decision and called up the United player to his senior squad for the March international break.
Mainoo made his senior international debut under Southgate in March and impressed fans with his performances in the friendly matches against Brazil and Belgium.
Stelling snubs Mainoo in two Man Utd player picks
Kobbie Mainoo’s superb season so far has led to calls for the Manchester United star to head to Euro 2024 in Germany with the England squad.
The Stockport-born player has arguably been one of United’s top performers this season, with Erik ten Hag’s men struggling to impress at times.
Speaking on talkSPORT (via Stretty News), Jeff Stelling overlooked Mainoo when picking two of the better performers at Old Trafford this season.
The 69-year-old presenter spotlighted United defender Diogo Dalot, who has received high praise from Sky Sports presenter Gary Neville, as one pick.
Stelling’s other choice was Alejandro Garnacho and the ex-Sky Sports presenter believes the United winger has been his side’s “main threat” this season.
“If I were to say to you, ‘Which Man United players have had good seasons this season,’ it wouldn’t be a long list,” he said.
“Dalot has had a really good season. I think Garnacho, who was subbed the other night, has been their main threat.”
Man Utd’s season has been disappointing so far
United fans have been left underwhelmed – and rightfully so – with how the Red Devils have performed this season after the success of the previous campaign.
Despite the addition of new signings last summer, Ten Hag has faced mounting criticism over United’s lack of consistency in the current campaign.
The Dutchman could still lift major silverware this season, with United facing Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-finals this month for a place in the final.
However, Ten Hag’s hopes of securing Champions League football for next season took a major blow after the 1-1 draw against Brentford last weekend.
It remains to be seen if United can still finish inside the top four, but the season so far has fallen well below the expectations fans had for Ten Hag’s men.