Kobbie Mainoo has named his three biggest Manchester United idols, but there was no place for Cristiano Ronaldo on the list.
Mainoo has lived every young Man United fan’s dream this season, having established himself as a regular fixture in Erik ten Hag’s side at just 18 years of age.
The midfielder made his senior United debut last season, and this term he has made 20 appearances in all competitions, including 14 in the Premier League.
Mainoo has made such an impression that Gareth Southgate perfored a U-turn and added him to his England squad for upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Playing for a club with the history and reputation of United, Mainoo certainly has no shortage of iconic players to look up to.
Some of the greatest players in the history of the game have called Old Trafford home, including five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese attacker rose to prominence at United in the 2000s before joining Real Madrid in a then-world record move, and returned to the club in 2021 for a second stint.
Though Ronaldo left the club in controversial circumstances a month before Mainoo made his senior debut, the youngster will no doubt have played alongside him on the training ground.
Despite that, Mainoo snubbed Ronaldo when asked to name his three United icons during an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I’d say [Wayne] Rooney, [Paul] Scholes as well and King Eric [Cantona],” Mainoo replied.
“It was a bit before my time but I still appreciate it.”
Despite snubbing Ronaldo, nobody can grumble with Mainoo’s picks.
Rooney is United’s all-time leading goalscorer, while Scholes is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders to ever grace the Premier League.
Then there’s Cantona – an iconic figure whose cultural significance would make him a club legend even if he hadn’t been a brilliant player.
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