Hargreaves hails Kobbie Mainoo as superstar on Champions League debut

Former Bayern Munich and Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves declared Kobbie Mainoo a future superstar after the 21‑year‑old’s full Champions League debut in Man Utd’s 4‑0 victory over Sabah at Old Trafford on Thursday evening. The England international started alongside Youri Tielemans in central midfield and completed 81 of 83 passes.

Man Utd opened their 2026/27 Champions League campaign with a 4‑0 hammering of Sabah in front of their fans at Old Trafford. Michael Carrick set up a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, placing Mainoo in central midfield alongside Youri Tielemans.

The 21‑year‑old produced a superb performance, completing 81 of 83 passes, all six long balls accurately, and delivering ten passes into the final third on his full Champions League debut.

Hargreaves hails Mainoo's potential

“I have never seen him play badly,” Hargreaves told. “Every time I watch him play football I think: ‘How can somebody not play him?’ He’s a fabulous player. He’s an academy player and didn’t cost the club anything.”

“He’s a fantastic player, it’s pretty obvious to see,” Michael Carrick added. “The way he is performing, playing that bit deeper and connecting the attacks, starting the attacks and having a massive influence on our games. He’s a real joy to have.”

Fee comparison highlights academy value

Hargreaves noted that Manchester United paid £85 million combined for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, and that Carlos Baleba was probably £70 million. “What would Kobbie be worth? More than all of them,” he said, underscoring the cost‑free nature of the academy graduate.

Both Hargreaves and Carrick believe Mainoo can become a cornerstone of United’s midfield, with the former insisting he is “going to be a superstar” and the latter praising his willingness to learn and improve.