Kobbie Mainoo - a raw talent for Man Utd

The confidence and form displayed in the win against Everton in the 13th round of the Premier League served as the perfect introduction to Mainoo, a player who also plays for Man Utd's youth team this season.

Mainoo (in red shirt) dribbles the ball during Manchester United's 3-0 win over Everton in the 13th round of the Premier League on November 26th, at Goodison Park. Photo: PA

Following his first Premier League start on November 26th, Mainoo received countless accolades. Former player Gary Neville suggested that the 18-year-old midfielder is the type of player Pep Guardiola, one of the best managers in football history, would want. Even Roy Keane, the former Manchester United captain known for his tough approach with young players, had to praise him.

"It was unbelievable," Keane said on Sky Sports on November 26. "He was always in control of the ball and making decisions about when to play long balls and when to play short balls. He performed well even without the ball. It was a complete performance."

Mainoo joined Man Utd at the age of nine, after getting acquainted with football at the Cheadle & Gatley youth club. He then progressed through the ranks to become one of the Red Devils' most promising talents. In the summer of 2022, while playing for Man Utd's U21 team, Mainoo began to attract attention. BBC commentator Jonny Crowther suggested that the 18-year-old star was on a different level compared to the rest of the players.

When he participated in the 2022-2023 EFL Trophy with Manchester United's U21 team, a tournament for lower-league clubs and youth teams of major clubs, Mainoo also impressed. One fan wrote on social media at the time: "I could watch Mainoo's moves all day. Invest in him now."

Another fan advised manager Erik Ten Hag to promote Mainoo to the first team. This person argued that all Mainoo needed was to improve his fitness and that Ten Hag should forget about Frenkie De Jong, a long-time target he failed to sign.

Mainoo (second from right) wins the FA Youth Cup 2021-2022 with the Man Utd youth team. Photo: Man Utd — Mainoo (second from right) wins the FA Youth Cup 2021-2022 with the Man Utd youth team. Photo: *Man Utd*

The excitement surrounding Mainoo caught the attention of Ten Hag, who had discovered many young players during his time managing Ajax. In January 2023, in a League Cup win against Charlton Athletic, he gave the teenage midfielder his first-team debut. Mainoo then came on as a substitute in the FA Cup win against Reading and the Premier League victory against Leicester City.

Ten Hag insisted he didn't call Mainoo up to the first team just to fill the squad. He wanted to give opportunities to young players and discover more stars for the first team. "The young players here are here to show their abilities and contribute to the team's success," Ten Hag added.

During the 2023-2024 pre-season, Mainoo suffered an ankle injury. However, this setback did not stop him from continuing to improve. After playing a match for the youth team this season, Mainoo was promoted to the first team. And in his first Premier League start, the 18-year-old star shone, helping Man Utd win 3-0 at Goodison Park against Everton.

According to The Sun , with Casemiro potentially leaving Man Utd next summer and the failed pursuit of De Jong, Mainoo is a suitable option to complete the midfield. Many believe Mainoo is an upgrade on Paul Pogba, the player who won the 2018 World Cup with France but has consistently performed inconsistently at Man Utd.

Thanh Quy (according to The Sun and Sky Sports )

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