Former defender Nemanja Vidic was left in awe after watching against Liverpool, comparing him to .
Mainoo’s second-half goal on Sunday to dent their Premier League title hopes.
Having broken into the United first team under Erik ten Hag this term – Mainoo impressed yet again – and has been compared to another footballing legend.
The 18-year-old midfielder by Dimitar Berbatov and Rio Ferdinand respectively.
Vidic has now said that Mainoo reminds him of Real Madrid great Modric, widely regarded as one of the best midfield players of all time.
‘Mainoo has been fantastic,’ Vidic told Premier League Productions. ‘Especially his awareness. He reminds me sometimes of Modric.
‘He always feels who is behind him. You can see, he took the first touch, straight away moved to the side, then it was a great strike. He’s difficult to defend against.’
Fellow pundit Wayne Rooney suggested that Erik ten Hag should should be playing Mainoo further up the pitch in a more attacking role.
‘Yeah he is [more than a holding midfielder],’ Rooney said. ‘I watched him play against Nottingham Forest as well.
‘He played a little higher, so he can certainly do that. When he got the ball he drove at the Liverpool backline. Great first touch and the finish is incredible.’
Meanwhile, Vidic has offered his support to Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah for his massive blunder which saw Bruno Fernandes score from inside the centre circle.
‘It’s an obvious mistake,’ Vidic added. ‘But I have to say, he was magnificent. He played with personality. That’s what it takes to play for a big club like Liverpool.
‘Obviously a great finish by Bruno. I made mistakes in my career at United and the most important thing is not to make it again. So praise to him, he’s a young boy, he’s strong enough physically and finished the game well.’
Manchester United news, exclusives and analysis
