Kobbie Mainoo can be Man United's Jude Bellingham but he reminds me of Sir Jim Ratcliffe favourite

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha believes Kobbie Mainoo could be the next Jude Bellingham, but feels his game is more similar to an Old Trafford legend adored by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Mainoo was earmarked as the young star most likely to break into Erik ten Hag's team this season at the start of the campaign. However, a freak injury during United's pre-season tour of the United States halted the 18-year-old's progression until November.

Once fully fit, Mainoo became a regular in central midfield and has already added goals to his game. In February, he scored the winner in a thrilling 4-3 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers and on Sunday he scored his second-ever Premier League goal - and first at Old Trafford - with a delightful curling effort in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool.

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Unsurprisingly, hopes are high for Mainoo - now a full England international with one eye on a Euro 2024 squad place - with comparisons already being made to Real Madrid's Bellingham. However, speaking to Paddy Power, Saha feels the teenager could be United's next Paul Scholes - who minority shareholder Ratcliffe recently declared would be the one former United player in his prime that he would bring back to play now if he had the chance.

Saha explained: "I hope Kobbie Mainoo can be Manchester United’s Jude Bellingham! He’s got the skills and the composure.

"He’s one of those players who has grown quicker than normal and he's showing real maturity at 18, especially considering he’s playing in an unstable squad. Manchester United’s form is all over the place and we saw it against Chelsea and against Liverpool.

"Having a player