I’m an ex-Man Utd star… Kobbie Mainoo reminds me of four-time Champions League winner and he’s only getting better

FORMER Manchester United defender Wes Brown has likened star midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to Champions League legend Clarence Seedorf.

Mainoo has been the main positive for United this season in what has been a tough campaign.

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Wes Brown has heaped praise on Kobbie Mainoo[/caption]

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The former defender has compared him to legendary midfielder Clarence Seedorf[/caption]

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Seedorf won the Champions League with three different clubs[/caption]

Brown – who spent 15 years at Old Trafford – has been impressed by the 18-year-old midfielder.

Asked if Mainoo reminds him of anyone he played with or against during his career, Brown told Instant Casino: “There is, and it’s Clarence Seedorf for me!

“If you ever get a chance to watch Seedorf – how he receives the ball, how he wants the ball and how he protects it – to me it’s very similar to the way Mainoo plays.

“Believe me, centre midfield is a very hard position to play, but the calmness and the way he looks after the ball is brilliant for someone of his age. You can tell he’s enjoying himself too!”

“When you think of the injuries Manchester United have had, he’s had to come in and play because the manager had no other option.

“But I’m so happy he did because you can tell what a good, young player he is.

“He will learn and get better, but his attitude is the main thing for me and the reason he’s played so many games.”

Seedorf is the only player to have won the Champions League with three clubs.

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He lifted Ol’ Big Ears with Ajax in 1995, with Real Madrid in 1998, and twice with AC Milan in 2003 and 2007.

Two-time Champions League winner Brown then urged the FA to lock down Mainoo to an international future with England.

He added: “It’s going to be tight between England and Ghana. Ultimately it’ll be his preference, but it would be so good to see him in an England shirt.

“The way he’s showcasing his abilities at such a young age for one of the biggest clubs in the world – he’s definitely a talent the FA will want to play for England for many years to come.”

Fans have begged Gareth Southgate to take Mainoo to Euro 2024.

One X account post posing the question received over 10k likes, with fans saying: “He deserves to play for England.”

Another said: “He should be on that plane.”

A third added: “He should be there over the likes of Jordan Henderson.”

Mainoo had not started a league game when England last took the field.

Southgate is due to announce his squad on Thursday for their friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.