Kobbie Mainoo told he can be Man Utd's version of 'freak' Jude Bellingham and go down as an Old Trafford legend - but only if he cuts out 'mistakes'

Former United striker Saha has been effusive in his praise of Mainoo, claiming that his potential has "no ceiling". He compared him to Jude Bellingham, albeit while acknowledging the Real Madrid star's greater physical attributes, and said he can be equally important to United as his England team-mate is to Los Blancos if he irons out the small flaws in his game.

Mainoo's breakthrough has been a major positive in an otherwise disappointing season for Erik ten Hag's side. Saha is fully behind the 18-year-old, believing he has the "full package" but needs to cut out some of the "mistakes" in his game. Given his age, it's not a surprise the midfielder still has areas of his game to work on, but the idea he can still get so much better is a tantalising thought for United and England fans.

Former United striker said to Paddy Power: “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. Having a player like Mainoo who can surprise the opposition with his calmness and out of nowhere, he’s able to produce some magic so he has no ceiling. When you look at Jude Bellingham, he’s a monster physically. I’m not saying that Kobbie isn’t a beast physically, but in terms of height, speed and technical ability - where he matches him – this is where Bellingham is already ahead. He’s managed to play a lot of games already, in Borussia Dortmund and now in Real Madrid but that’s not the case with Kobbie. They have different styles because physically, Jude is a monster - he’s just a freak.

"Everyone has to look at their own game. I remember one player who wasn't graced by God with their physique; he wasn’t tall or quick and technically he was steady but nothing like Marcus Rashford or Cristiano Ronaldo, and that was Paul Scholes. He ran the show and every midfielder in the world would say that he was one of their favourite players. It’s not just one or two qualities that Mainoo has, he’s got the full package, but he has to find a way to be a bit more effective in some areas of his game, and not making the same mistakes. He’ll definitely be one of Manchester United’s greatest players if he finds the consistency.”

After his stunning goal in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool, Mainoo and United will next be in action against Bournemouth this weekend. Champions League qualification appears to be out of reach but there is still hope of a trophy in the shape of the FA Cup, with a semi-final against Coventry City scheduled for April 21. Mainoo is also likely to be part of Gareth Southgate's England squad for the Euros in Germany in the summer.