Ryan Giggs: Kobbie Mainoo can follow Paul Scholes’ Manchester United legacy

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs believes Kobbie Mainoo has the qualities to develop into the kind of influential midfielder once represented by Paul Scholes at Old Trafford.

Giggs’ assessment comes after Mainoo emerged as one of the few positives for United during Sunday’s Manchester Derby defeat to Manchester City, despite Michael Carrick’s side leaving the Etihad empty-handed.

The 21-year-old was heavily involved in United’s attacking play and produced one of his more encouraging displays in an otherwise frustrating afternoon for the visitors.

Mainoo created more chances than any other player on the pitch with three, while his 86 touches were also the most recorded by a United player. He completed four dribbles, underlining his ability to carry the ball through midfield and break defensive lines.

Although United ultimately suffered a controversial 1-0 loss to their city rivals, Mainoo’s performance has provided encouragement over his potential to become a more complete midfielder.

Giggs highlights Mainoo’s acceleration

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, Giggs identified one of Mainoo’s less obvious strengths while assessing his overall game.

“It’s not pace, it’s acceleration,” Giggs noted.

“So, he’s not quick-quick, but he has got that acceleration, and he’s, you know, strong physically. He’s a very, very good player.”

The former United winger believes Mainoo already possesses several important attributes, particularly his physical strength, close control and ability to progress with the ball.

However, Giggs suggested that adding another dimension to his passing could take the midfielder’s game to a different level.

Scholes comparison raises expectations

When asked whether Mainoo could eventually reach the level Scholes achieved during his distinguished United career, Giggs was positive about the possibility.

“Yeah, I mean, that should be the first pass a midfielder looks at really, you know, ball in behind that 30-yard switch potentially,” he explained.

“That ball forward should be the first pass that you think about. So, if he adds that to his game, as well as the dribbling as well as the short passing, then who knows?”

Scholes was renowned for his ability to dictate games with his passing range, particularly his capacity to switch play and deliver accurate balls over long distances.

Giggs believes developing that aspect of his game could complement Mainoo’s existing strengths and give him another weapon from midfield.

For now, Mainoo remains at an early stage of his career, but his performance against City has strengthened the argument that he can play a significant role in United’s future.

And with Giggs drawing comparisons with one of the club’s greatest-ever midfielders, expectations around Mainoo are likely to rise considerably.