If the term "Guv’nor" sounds like something out of a Guy Ritchie casting call, you clearly weren't watching English soccer in the 90s.
Premier League legend, Paul Ince didn't just play in midfield; he presided over it like a high court judge with a penchant for crunching tackles.
With 53 England caps and the distinction of being the first Black player to captain the Three Lions, Ince’s resume reads like a "How-To" guide for soccer immortality.
He’s won Premier Leagues with Manchester United and patrolled the technical area at the highest level—so when he speaks to Covers, you don't just listen; you take notes.
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The Great Escape: Should Kobbie Mainoo Jump Ship?
It’s the kind of suggestion that usually gets you barred from every pub in Greater Manchester.
Ince has dropped a tactical bombshell: he thinks Manchester United’s young starlet, Kobbie Mainoo, needs to consider a January exit.
"If I were in Mainoo's position, I’d be looking for a change of club in January," Ince told the Covers team.
The Tuchel Factor
The logic is as cold as a Tuesday night in Stoke: Thomas Tuchel appears to be picking his England World Cup squad based on minutes, and Mainoo’s clock has stopped ticking.
Ince noted that while Mainoo "burst on the scene" to rave reviews, the arrival of Ruben Amorim seems to have complicated the script.
"The World Cup would be my ultimate priority, and leaving Manchester United - permanently or on loan - appears to be the best option," Ince added.
It’s a "premeditated franchise mismanagement" scenario if United lets a generational talent rot on the bench while Casemiro tries to outrun Father Time.
Merseyside Melodrama and the "Sack Race" Absurdity
Over at Anfield, the vibes are a peculiar mix of "we're winning the league" and "everything is on fire".
Ince finds the rumors surrounding Liverpool manager, Arne Slot’s job security to be nothing short of "ridiculous".
"It’s shocking to see Arne Slot as a leading contender to be the next Premier League manager to be sacked," Ince remarked, pointing out that Slot literally won the league in his debut season.
Let Mo Be Mo
Then there’s the Mohamed Salah situation, which Ince views with the weary eyes of a man who has seen too many ego-clashes.
"He’s never tracked back since he’s been at the club, so why would he start now? Let Mo be Mo!" Ince quipped regarding the recent Slot/Salah tension.
He believes Liverpool needs to stop asking one of the greatest players in their history to "earn" a spot and just let him cook.
The Dream Signing
To "steady the ship" defensively, Ince has a specific name for the Liverpool board: Dayot Upamecano.
He describes the Bayern Munich man as an "unbelievable defender" who could fill the void left by a squad currently looking "pretty short in terms of quality and cover".
The Cantona Clone and the Arsenal Striker Mystery
A New King at Old Trafford?
Ince doesn't hand out comparisons to Eric Cantona lightly. That’s sacred ground at Old Trafford.
Yet, he sees the Frenchman’s "fantastic mentality" and power in Matheus Cunha.
"Matheus Cunha reminds me of Eric Cantona with the way he plays," Ince stated, citing his ability to roam and perform under the "weight of the shirt".
Arteta’s £60m Benchwarmer
Meanwhile, in North London, Ince is looking at Mikel Arteta’s team sheet with genuine confusion.
Arsenal spent a king's ransom on Viktor Gyokeres, yet the Swede can't seem to get a game ahead of Mikel Merino.
"If I was the owner, I’d expect my striker to play at some point," Ince noted, adding that Merino is a midfielder who simply won’t "stretch the opposition’s back line" like a natural #9.
World Cup Whispers: England’s "Rough" Draw and Scottish Spirit
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, Ince isn't buying into the "easy group" narrative for England.
"I think Croatia, Panama and Ghana could give us a little bit of trouble," he warned, though he still expects the quality to shine through eventually.
The Tartan Army's North American Tour
Ince also has a soft spot for Steve Clarke’s Scotland, backing them to qualify behind Brazil in Group C.
"There’s no reason why Scotland can’t go on and beat Haiti and Morocco," he said, citing a "togetherness" that might just surprise the world in North America.
Whether you’re a United fan hoping Ince is wrong about Mainoo or a Liverpool fan hoping he’s right about Slot, one thing is certain: The Guv’nor still knows how to command a room.
