"Let the full-backs handle that" - Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo names Milan star as the player he'd least like to defend 1-v-1

Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo has joked about leaving AC Milan attacker Rafael Leao to the full-backs. In a recent interview, the 19-year-old named the Portuguese forward when asked which forward he wouldn't want to face.

Mainoo, currently out injured, has had a meteoric rise, establishing himself as a regular with Manchester United and the England national team. His performances with the Red Devils saw him being selected in England's Euro 2024 squad and he became a regular for Gareth Southgate's side that reached the final.

He was participating in a fun interactive game with Topps UK when he was asked to stay quiet until he heard the name of a player he would least like to face. The names began with RB Leipzig's Dutch forward Xavi Simons who didn't incite a response from the young midfielder.

Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia did see him twitch, but Mainoo kept mum to indicate he would be confident of going up against the Georgian. However, when it came to the next name, Mainoo smirked and admitted that he would not want to go up against him. The player in question was AC Milan's dynamic winger Rafael Leao.

The England international explained what makes Leao a nightmare for defenders by pinpointing his pace.

"Yeah, Leao. Rapid. Rapid. Let the full-backs handle that," Mainoo acknowledged.

Watch the video here [via Goal]:

Kobbie Mainoo to return for Ruben Amorim's Manchester United debut?

Kobbie Mainoo has missed six matches for Manchester United since injuring his hamstring in the club's 0-0 draw against Aston Villa in early October. He is expected to be out of action until the next international break, scheduled for mid-November.

Since Mainoo has been out injured, the club parted ways with Dutch manager Erik ten Hag, instilling Ruud van Nistelrooy as the interim manager, and hiring Ruben Amorim as the new head coach. As per the timeline set at the time of his injury, the youngster is expected to be back for Amorim's first match after the upcoming international break.

The midfielder has made 44 appearances for the club, registering five goals and one assist.