Kobbie Mainoo names Brazil legend as footballing idol

Kobbie Mainoo has been the silver lining in what has been a challenging season for Manchester United.

The Reds distanced themselves from the top four with a 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Saturday and we crashed out of Europe after the Champions League group stages.

But despite all of the hardship the 2023/24 campaign has brought us, there’s a young midfielder worth getting excited about. His name is Kobbie Mainoo – like ‘Robbie’ but with a ‘K’.

The 18-year-old has been superb since Erik ten Hag introduced him into the first team. Now, the young midfielder is one of the first names on the teamsheet.

In a quickfire interview with club media, as per ManUtd.com, Mainoo named his footballing idol growing up, and it’s a former Brazil star that United almost signed.

Remember Ronaldinho?

Maino said: “Growing up it was Ronaldinho. He’s my favourite player.”

In a recent interview with Rio Ferdinand, former chief executive David Gill played down claims that Ronaldinho almost joined United.

It’s been a rumour for a long time but Ronaldinho is one player I would have loved to have seen play for United. Sadly, it was never to be.

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