Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has advised England star Kobbie Mainoo to sit out the World Cup third-place match against France, calling the fixture a 'pointless jumped-up friendly'. The 21-year-old has not played a single minute in the tournament, with Saturday's clash against Didier Deschamps' side his last opportunity to feature.
Butt, 51, expressed frustration over Mainoo's lack of playing time under Thomas Tuchel and urged the United youngster to take drastic action. 'I'd just refuse to play if I was Kobbie Mainoo. I'd say I was injured. It's a nonsense game, especially when you've been treated like that,' Butt said.
The former England international also called for Tuchel to be sacked following England's semi-final exit, criticising the German's negative tactics against Argentina. 'There's no way he can stay on. Not a cat in hell's chance after that,' Butt added, suggesting Eddie Howe or Mauricio Pochettino as potential replacements.
Mainoo enjoyed a strong end to the domestic season under Michael Carrick at Manchester United but has been unable to break into the England starting XI in North America. Butt warned that playing in the third-place match could risk injury for the entire season.
