Paul Scholes, the most successful English football player, recognised for his tranquillity and poise, remains a benchmark for English football. A void was perceptible after England’s defeat in the Euro 2024 finals: the absence of Scholes-like characteristics. Yet, this accomplished predecessor of the midfield is right in the heart of Greater Manchester, specifically in Stretford.
Engaging with pupils from a unique free school identical to the one his son, Aiden, attended, Scholes is eager to learn how a charity football match could support the school. His involvement and experience playing with the children are evident from the light sweat on his forehead. It is in this setting that Scholes speaks highly of Kobbie Mainoo, a promising young player from Manchester United, who might well fit the role of a ‘pivote’, a Spanish term referring to a certain type of footballer.
The revered Scholes equates Mainoo to Zinedine Zidane in his poise whilst controlling the football and his flair for bypassing opponents. This is high praise indeed, coming from Scholes, especially when referring to Zidane – a player Scholes himself has previously hailed as his most formidable adversary.
“I was informed about an ambitious young footballer who could hold his ground against Casemiro during practice matches, and sometimes even outdo him,” shares Scholes. “However, performance is key. It was during his initial games that I noticed his serenity. The confident way he handled the ball left me in awe, unable to believe a player so young could show such capability.”
The young Mainoo’s serene performances, demonstrated in intense games against Everton and Galatasaray last November, immediately won Scholes’ admiration. Mainoo’s achievement of becoming the first English teenager to score in an FA Cup final in 43 years only added to Scholes’ admiration. On social media, Scholes shared his thoughts: “Don’t bother comparing me with this lad. At 19, he is 10 times the player I was.”
Nevertheless, Mainoo’s record of five goals in 36 United matches and Scholes having scored three in nine at the age of 19 does raise eyebrows. Especially considering, whilst Mainoo had to prove his potential in an injury-ridden, dysfunctional team, Scholes had the daunting task of competing against a formidable midfield led by players like Roy Keane and Paul Ince.
Scholes reveals his astonishment at Kobbie Mainoo’s natural ease on the pitch, a state of calm that took him around five to six years to achieve. He highlights this tranquility as an essential trait that Mainoo will have to maintain throughout his professional journey. Amidst high expectations, Scholes remains confident that Mainoo will remain grounded.
Individuals acquainted with Mainoo think highly of him, as well as his family. He visited his old school in Stockport not long before he was selected for the Euros, where he continued to impress his former teachers with his hardworking attitude and cheerful disposition.
At the tender age of 19, Mainoo has already scored in a major final. However, his inability to control the midfield against Spain’s superior team in Berlin showed he still has a lot to learn. Scholes suggests that Mainoo, with his unique personality, has the potential to be an indispensable asset for United, specifically with scoring match-winning goals, consistently.
Comparatively, while Scholes and Gerrard scored roughly three decisive goals each season, and Lampard slightly more, Mainoo has made an impressive start with two key goals last season, including a last-minute spectacular at Molineux. He still managed to score against Liverpool, but the match ended in a 2-2 draw following his fantastic execution from the Stretford End.
Scholes, reminiscing about his fond shooting memories as he gears up for his Old Trafford return on 7th September, suggests that Mainoo could learn a great deal from the likes of iconic Manchester United midfielders like Bryan Robson.
Scholes stated his belief in Robson’s exceptional leadership skills and saw him as the embodiment of a perfect United midfield player. Scholes asserted that United midfielders should be able to handle any position on the field, and he believes Robson had that ability.
Scholes suggests that Kobbie could improve his aggression, but admits he hasn’t needed it due to his tight control over the ball, exhibiting a refusal to boast about himself. He identifies himself as a calm and controlled player, usual characteristics for someone from Manchester. Yet, when he visits the Orchards – a school assisted by the Manchester United Foundation that caters to children with disabilities – he behaves somewhat differently. His former colleagues’ claims that the Scholes they’re familiar with differs significantly from his public persona is substantiated by his natural interaction with the students.
Scholes effortlessly remembers student names, assists those who tumble, drives them to challenge themselves, and keeps the atmosphere lively with his humor. Having honed this equilibrium over two decades, he voices his fondness for it. “I sincerely appreciated this morning,” he shares, “It touches my heart and the staff deserves vast credit.”
In his 2011 memoir, Scholes first discussed Aiden’s autism diagnosis, later delving deeper into it in a 2021 BBC documentary and with The Overlap’s Gary Neville. Aware of the impact his shared journey could have on others, he neglected to inform his colleagues and Coach Sir Alex Ferguson initially. He hid the scratches under long sleeve clothes.
His Instagram chronicles the moments to be celebrated in Aiden’s life such as getting a haircut scratch-free or baking chocolate Rice Krispy cakes. He shares, “My intention is simply to increase awareness. It’s a tough situation for many parents. Frequently, I get messages like: ‘Our son is very similar to yours, we’re amazed by his progress, we’re stunned he’s eating’… They’re anxious about everything, including sleep.”
Each day, Aiden surprises Scholes with his progress, even at 19. If sharing Aiden’s journey can inspire other parents in similar situations, that’s his primary goal. Scholes prioritises Aiden’s happiness over any desire for managerial responsibilities away from home. Increasingly, though, he recognizes the need for something to fuel his passion as football once did. As he confided to Neville in 2022, the search could be nearing an end.
“He remarks, “It’s all about Salford City,” as he enters his third summer in charge of player acquisition for the club he partly owns. The pursuit of success takes prominence. He concedes that their performance was lacking last year, summing it up as unsatisfactory. They have failed to make progress in League Two for about three or four years now. Therefore, the focus is on striving to achieve success at this level.”
Upon the closure of this player trading period, Scholes looks forward to his comeback at Old Trafford. Someone ought to pass the tapes onto Mainoo. – The Guardian