MICAH RICHARDS stunned everyone when he picked Manchester City’s rising superstar in an NFL style draft.
In the midst of Super Bowl fever, Thierry Henry, Kate Abdo and Micah Richards selected their best under-20s Premier League player.
After Richards, 35, was reminded that his initial choice, Jude Bellingham, was out of the running as he didn’t play in England, the ex-City player took his time before making an astonishing choice.
He said: “I’m going with Mainoo, Man United.
“Start a team like that.”
Kobbie Mainoo, 18, made his Prem debut just before Christmas and is now established as a key first team player, with Erik ten Hag praising his “incredible” progress.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
He proved absolutely vital in United’s match against Wolves, where he scored a stunning goal in the 97th minute to secure a 4-3 victory.
The academy graduate’s talent has even prompted club legend Dimitar Berbatov to compare him to the iconic midfielder Paul Scholes.
But it was still a bombshell to hear that Richard’s, a former City player, would pick someone from his club’s biggest rivals.
He wasn’t the only one casting aside his loyalties – United fan Abdo selected a City star herself.
Most read in Football
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
She said: “Oh yeah, that’s a nice shout, Micah from Man City! Micah Hamilton.”
Hamilton turned 20 in November making him not eligible for the draft, but Abdo’s answer stuck all the same.
He’s only made two prem appearances, but did get a goal and an assist on his Champions League start when City beat Red Star Belgrade 3-2 in Serbia.
Thierry Henry’s answer was equally unexpected, although unlike the other two he stuck firmly to his loyalties.
He said: “I would trust my youth team.
“Sorry, that is an option also.
“Why are you upset? Why do you have an academy for?”
Henry’s experience as a manager shone through with his wise choice.
The pundit previously was Monaco and Montreal Impact boss and also had a spell as Roberto Martinez’s assistant for Belgium and now coaches France’s Under-21’s.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
