Nemanja Vidic compares Kobbie Mainoo to Real Madrid legend

Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic has compared 18-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to Real Madrid star Luka Modric.

Former Red Devils defender Vidic was quick to praise the youngster after Sunday's 2-2 draw to Liverpool at Old Trafford, during which Mainoo earned his first senior home goal.

His sensational strike midway through the second half put United 2-1 up, turning the game around after they trailed 1-0 having registered zero shots in the first 45 minutes.

Mainoo has already attracted plaudits from a range of former stars, with Vidic the latest to speak positively of the academy product.

Speaking to Premier League Productions, Vidic said: "'Mainoo has been fantastic, especially his awareness in areas. 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 United legend and pundit Wayne Rooney added that Erik ten Hag should be playing him further up the pitch. He said: "Yeah he is [more than a holding midfielder]. 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."

Mainoo, who earned his first England cap in March, has also previously been compared to Paul Scholes by Dimitar Berbatov and Clarence Seedorf by Rio Ferdinand.

The youngster is staking a claim to become the next big star to come out of United's famed academy. The senior side return to Premier League action on Saturday when they travel to Bournemouth in the evening kick-off.

READ THE LATEST MAN UTD NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP