How could things change? That was only a few months ago Manchester United starlet Kobe Maino A top talent, the teenager capped off an impressive senior football career by playing his part in England's rise to the Euro 2024 final.
He was brought late into United's squad by Erik Ten Hag for his first Premier League start against Everton in November 2023, following an injury in pre-season, the local player Man of the Match show At Goodison Park, they put together an impressive end to the 2023/24 season on an individual basis.
A notable high point for the academy graduate came against Wolverhampton Wanderers in February, where Maino sealed all three points in dramatic circumstances, weaving his way through the home defense before curling a stunning shot into the corner. A star is born.
However, the midfielder's return to Molineux on Boxing Day exemplifies that any young player's journey is neither linear, nor smooth, with the 19-year-old's poor display coming amid a disappointing 2024/25 season so far.
Maino's performance against Wolves
For what was his only 50th appearance with the first team For United, Maino – who suffered a pause in the season due to injury – 'The player's shadow appearedWho excelled last season, according to Samuel Luckhurst, after struggling in the middle of the park.
Now deployed in the second midfield alongside Manuel Ugarte, signed in the summer, the Stockport native looked somewhat off the pace, having just won Two of his eight duelsWhile he failed to complete a single dribble and lost the ball on 11 occasions.
There were some signs of life – including a sensational cross that Rasmus Hoglund came close to hitting – and yet, in truth, it was not really a surprise when Maino's number rose only to be withdrawn on the hour mark.
The sight of the rising star chipping away at the ball on a handful of occasions was actually indicative of his declining confidence, with Ruben Amorim needing to find a way to revive what is undoubtedly the case.”Generational talent” – also praised the above-mentioned Hoglund.
Perhaps adding a new midfielder in 2025 is what it takes to motivate Maino again…
Manchester United is looking for a midfielder
According to The Athletic's Mark Critchley – along with David Ornstein – the Red Devils are He is believed to be monitoring Atalanta star Edersonat the present time, amid the wonderful Brazilian performances in the Italian League.
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This follows earlier claims from Sky Germany correspondent Florian Plettenberg, who suggested the 25-year-old was among United's targets. “They're thinking seriously”After I “explored it a few times.”
While The Athletic has not revealed any potential price for the devastating midfielder, Plettenberg claimed last week that the Serie A side could demand a fee of up to €60m (£50m).
Why Ederson's arrival might be perfect for Maino
The Atalanta man may not be the most well-known name, however he has received rave reviews for his form in Italy in recent seasons, with the former player… English coach Fabio Capello Among those who led the applause:
“He is out of this world for his ability to combine running, fitness, technique and intelligence.”
Part of the team that achieved Europa League glory last season with a 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen, the talent is in demand – who produced a 'tremendous level' in that impressive win, in Lyrics by Dave Statman – It can be the perfect partner for Mainoo in the middle of the garden.
The 6-foot machine has been chopped up Two goals and one assist 17th in Serie A in the 2024/25 season, although his main strength lies in regaining possession, as evidenced by the fact that he averages 2.3 Interventions and interceptions per game, having recovered 5.5 tackles per game as well.
This supports the claims of his club colleague Martin de Roon, who said that “Speed and ability to recover that no one else has“He is simply a real workhorse.
What also distinguishes him from the aforementioned Ugarte, for example, is his ability to break lines and influence proceedings in an offensive sense, which is evident in the fact that he is an average 6.43 progressive passes per 90 Within the last 365 days. Uruguay, by contrast, The average is only 3.42 in this regard.
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Ederson's season in the Italian League in numbers |
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17 matches (16 matches) |
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2 goals |
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1 help |
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Created 3 big chances |
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0.9 key pass* |
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Passing accuracy 87%* |
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1.2 Objections* |
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1.1 Interventions* |
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5.5 balls recovered* |
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54% of all duels won* |
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Winning air duels by 63%* |
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Statistics via Sofascore (*per game) |
This ensures he can be Maino's go-to man for the invaders in advanced areas, with Ederson also providing the advantage of operating in Bergamo's 3-4-3 system under Gian Piero Gasperini.
The same can be said for Ugarte, but this pairing with Mainoo simply isn't working at the moment, hence the need to get a new face in – preferably in the new year.
Likewise, there is also a world in which Ederson could partner Ugarte, thus freeing Maino to occupy one of the two number ten positions behind the striker, with two athletic midfielders behind him allowing the undoubtedly talented diamond to shine once again.
