Man Utd 'have their own Rodri' but Erik ten Hag may make unpopular transfer decision

Teddy Sheringham has compared Manchester United and England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament Rodri after an impressive season. But Erik ten Hag risks stifling the 19-year-old sensation's development by not recruiting a suitable midfield partner in a summer so far dominated by links to defensive and attacking signings.

United will undoubtedly plan to build their INEOS-led project around Mainoo after making his mark for his club and country in 2024.

After establishing himself as a first-team regular for United, the Stockport-born starlet forced his way into Gareth Southgate's plans at the Euros.

He started all four of England's knockout games in Germany, including the final against Spain, and is primed to enter the new season as a crucial player at Old Trafford.

And Sheringham has heaped praise on Mainoo, comparing him to Manchester City's midfield general, Rodri, who helped guide Spain to glory this summer.

"Well, good players in midfield make the game look very easy," the United icon told Express Sport on behalf of Online Poker.

"You know, you only have to look at Rodri for Spain and Man City. He's like a Rolls Royce of a player that never gives the ball away, hardly ever gives the ball away. And that is very tough in the middle of midfield.

"When I was a manager, I tried to make my players understand how tough it was to retain possession. That is his that is his job, Rodri in there.

"I think Mainoo has taken over that mantle in Manchester United's and the England midfield because for a young lad, he understands what that means to keep possession when it's all so tight and frantic.

"When people want to come in and tackle you, he seems to find a pass all the time.

"He has good awareness, feeds receives the ball very nicely and feeds other players in exactly how they want the ball. So, you know, he's a very cultural player for a young man."

Mainoo is currently set to enter the new season with Casemiro as his midfield partner, despite the 32-year-old Brazilian's dismal last campaign.

United are expected to pursue a new midfield signing if they can cash in on Casemiro, but interest from Saudi Arabia hasn't yet become concrete.

After completing a £35million deal for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, the Red Devils' immediate focus appears to be on a centre-back.

Lille have accepted a £52m bid for Leny Yoro, but United are working to convince him to join rather than wait for Real Madrid to improve their offer.

Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt has been lined up as an alternative, while it's unclear whether Everton will receive a third approach for Jarrad Branthwaite after rejecting £50m.

While central defence is an important position to address, United can't neglect their midfield and harm Mainoo's progress.