Mainoo talks up Rice, Hojlund, Eriksen ahead of Denmark Euro 2024 clash

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has heaped praise on club teammates Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen ahead of England‘s Euro 2024 Group C clash with Denmark on Thursday.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season at Man United last season and his emergence as a first-team star was one of the few positives that Red Devils supporters managed to take away from an underwhelming 2023-24 campaign.

Mainoo ensured that Man United ended the season on a high, as his goal against rivals Manchester City helped Erik ten Hag‘s side claim a 2-1 victory in the FA Cup final last month.

The Stockport-born midfielder impressed in his 35 senior appearances for Man United last season and has been rewarded with a call-up to Gareth Southgate‘s England squad for Euro 2024, making his competitive debut as a late substitute in the Three Lions’ 1-0 win over Serbia in Group C last Sunday.

Mainoo is once again in contention to feature in some capacity when England square off against Denmark, and the teenager is looking forward to the prospect of facing Man United’s Danish duo Hojlund and Eriksen, the latter scored in Denmark’s 1-1 draw with Slovenia.

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Mainoo “really good friends” with Hojlund and “trying to learn” from Eriksen

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, as quoted by BBC Sport, Mainoo stated that he is good friends with Hojlund, 21, and looks up to 32-year-old Eriksen as a senior figure of Man United and Denmark’s midfield, but he is ready to put those friendships aside on Thursday.

On Hojlund, Mainoo said: “I’ve not spoke to him recently, but I’ll leave that for after the game. I’m focused on here and maybe after the game I’ll speak to him.

“Maybe, I don’t know, I haven’t played against him before. He’s a really good friend, it’s good to have them relationships on the pitch and off the pitch.”

Mainoo added: “[Hojlund and Eriksen are] both great teammates to me, Rasmus is young like me so I am always around him. I am trying to learn and pick up from Christian. If I’m to play on Thursday I’ll have to put that to the side compete against him and hopefully get the win.”

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Mainoo: ‘It’s a dream to play alongside Rice’

Mainoo is hoping to force his way into England’s starting lineup alongside midfield lynchpin Declan Rice, who is “worth every penny” according to the teenager.

Rice has elevated his game to new heights in recent seasons and is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League following his £105m transfer from West Ham United to Arsenal last summer.

“Dec is such a good player, reliable and dominate in the midfield,” said Mainoo. “When I get to play with him, it’s always a joy to have someone so strong with the ball next to you.

“Everyone knows he’s worth every penny, he’s such a good player. He’s proved it in the Premier League and internationally.

“[Playing alongside Rice], it frees me up a lot and allows me to go forward and attack and trust that he’s there. It’s a dream.”

Mainoo faces stern competition for a starting spot alongside Rice, with Trent Alexander-Arnold – who started in midfield against Serbia – Conor Gallagher and Adam Wharton all in contention to play in Southgate’s side.

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