John Barnes: ‘Mainoo Has Been A Shining Light For United’

Today, we had the opportunity to speak with John Barnes, the former Liverpool winger, about a range of topics about Manchester United. Barnes shared his thoughts on United’s saviour Kobbie Mainoo who scored a sensational injury-time winner for the Red Devils. Barnes also detailed his thoughts on the Marcus Rashford situation and the continued managerial power struggle at the club.

Mainoo Has Been A Shining Light For United In Difficult Circumstances

Kobbie Mainoo scored his first Premier League goal dramatically, netting a 97th-minute winner for Manchester United, his childhood club, in a thrilling 4-3 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. This decisive goal transformed what seemed like a disappointing draw for Erik ten Hag’s team into a remarkable win. In his eleven senior appearances to date, Mainoo has conducted himself with professionalism and diligence, displaying a level of maturity and confidence on the ball that Manchester United has been missing. His winning goal was a moment of sheer brilliance: after evading one Wolves defender, Mainoo skilfully nutmegged another before calmly slotting the ball into the net. John Barnes, the former footballer, has been extremely impressed by the young midfielder, praising him as a standout performer for United.

“He is very mature. Very mature.”

“Talk about a No. 6, a defensive midfielder who drives forward, tackles and wins the ball. He’s been one of the shining lights for Man Utd.”

“Mainoo has been the shining light for Man Utd under difficult circumstances.”

“It’s difficult for young players to come into a team that’s not doing well but his game is about getting stuck in, effort and commitment and if you do that in a team that’s struggling you will shine.” 

“He’s been great in front of the back four, screening, passing the ball forwards and driving forwards with the ball. He’s been a breath of fresh air for Manchester United.”

“I’ve been very impressed with him.”

Manchester United Must Give The Manager Authority 

Marcus Rashford has been a frequent topic in the news recently. Last week, he was notably absent from Manchester United’s training sessions due to illness. However, it was later revealed that he had been seen in a nightclub in Belfast during this period. As a result, Rashford missed Manchester United’s FA Cup match against Newport but made a return in the league game against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Rashford made his impact felt immediately by emphatically scoring the opening goal. John Barnes says disciplinary issues like these are a major concern for Manchester United. He emphasises that addressing these issues is crucial for the club’s progress and development.

“Rashford has been disappointing with his behaviour. You want players to be professional. He’s playing for a club that’s not playing particularly well.” 

“I think if the manager hasn’t got the authority and autonomy to run the club which no United manager has had since Sir Alex Ferguson, discipline is always going to be an issue with players.” 

“I’m sure ten Hag is a strong manager based on his time at Ajax but he’s been undermined by the club and the hierarchy.” 

“United really need to give managers authority to be the manager. Don’t undermine him or any manager going forward.” 

“We shouldn’t be hearing rumours of Ratcliffe targeting players.” 

‘ten Hag has been undermined and players feel as though they can get away with doing certain things they wouldn’t have done under Sir Alex Ferguson.” 

Rashford Leaving United Won’t Help His Career

Rashford has continuously been linked with a move away and last week’s incident only intensified talk of Rashford potentially needing a fresh start. Does Rashford still have a long-term future at United or will he benefit from a fresh start away from the turmoil at United? Barnes claims it’s ridiculous to suggest Rashford should leave the club and urges the 26 year old to learn from his issues going forward.

“Rashford has a long term future at the club. He’s a fantastic player at a fantastic club.” 

“I don’t think him leaving will necessarily help his career.” 

“He’s got to stay at Manchester United and help the club.” 

“He’s a Manchester boy and that’s his club so he has to learn from this and recognise Manchester United is the most important thing. He has to be disciplined.” 

United Should Stick With ten Hag

John Barnes has expressed his confidence in Erik ten Hag, endorsing him as a potential long-term manager for Manchester United. He believes that, under Ten Hag’s leadership, the club can overcome its ongoing challenges. Barnes highlights that issues of ill-discipline have plagued Manchester United since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, a period marked by frequent managerial changes and internal struggles. As the club grapples with these issues, INEOS are reportedly facing a significant decision regarding its investments and strategy in the upcoming summer. 

“If United want to be successful they have to stick with Erik ten Hag and give him the power to make decisions.” 

“A new manager coming in, within the same instability and ill-discipline, will lead to the same situation.” 

“It’s not ten Hag’s fault and they’ve got to understand that and back him as the leader of the club.”