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Man United’s Kobbie Mainoo names Barcelona legend as football inspiration
Manchester United’s promising young midfielder, Kobbie Mainoo, has shared that he looks to former Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets as a source of inspiration for developing his football craft.
The 19-year-old has made an impressive impact at Old Trafford during his breakthrough season in 2023/24, scoring five goals in 33 appearances. Alongside United talents Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, Mainoo has even been likened to the iconic Cristiano Ronaldo after replicating one of the Portuguese star’s famous goal celebrations, stirring excitement among fans.
Mainoo’s standout performances highlight his potential in a team that has struggled for consistency in recent years.
Reflecting on the players who have influenced his style, Mainoo told *GQ*, “I like to watch [Sergio] Busquets, the way he used to turn. Players like [Clarence] Seedorf, [Luka] Modric. Players like Yaya Toure – I like the way he used to play.”
Discussing his approach on the field, Mainoo added, “I see a guy here, then I’ll turn this way. Or if I don’t have to do that, I can just bounce out. I don’t think, like, I’m gonna turn here… it’s more that if the defender gives me an option, then I’m gonna take it.”
Busquets, a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, became a pillar of the team, accumulating 722 appearances before moving to Inter Miami. Watching the Spanish great has impacted Mainoo’s game, helping him refine the balance between decision-making and natural skill.
Reflecting on his journey at United, Mainoo also expressed what it means to be part of the club’s proud tradition of nurturing young talent: “I feel like at United it’s very much in the history that they play young players, going all the way back to the Busby Babes. There’s big writing up on the wall [at Carrington] saying, ‘If they’re good enough, they’re old enough.'”
Currently sidelined due to injury, Mainoo last featured for United in October against Aston Villa. His return to the squad is eagerly awaited as he looks to continue his promising trajectory and make a lasting mark on the pitch.