Kobbie Mainoo, a 17-year-old midfielder, made his Manchester United debut on Tuesday night, prompting supporters to google his name.
For the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford against Charlton, Mainoo was included in Erik ten Hag’s starting eleven. Although the teenager had been on the bench for United’s previous two games (against Newcastle and Wolves), this was his first appearance in a game this season.
As Mainoo has shown promise for United’s youth teams in the past, Mirror Football have chosen to profile him in an attempt to determine whether or not he will become the latest star to emerge from United’s illustrious academy. Everything you need to know is below…
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Who is Kobbie Mainoo?
For United’s youth teams, 17-year-old Mainoo is a midfielder to watch. The Stockport native played for the Cheadle & Gatley youth team before being snatched by the Red Devils aged nine.
He has since made a strong impression and is quickly rising through the ranks of the club’s youth academy. Mainoo is in his rookie season with United’s Under-21 team. In May 2022, he signed his first professional contract.
What has Kobbie Mainoo accomplished?
Mainoo seems to be the real deal, unlike many other young players who were predicted to make a big impact but eventually fell out. He had a breakaway game against Brighton’s U21s and then another against League Two’s Carlisle United in the EFL Trophy.
Mainoo played a vital role in United’s FA Youth Cup victory over Nottingham Forest in May last year, and since then he’s been regularly given the chance to prove his worth by regularly partnering the first team.
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What has been said about Kobbie Mainoo?
Before Mainoo made his United debut, many people had high hopes for him. Commentator Jonny Crowther called the midfielder “other class” after a pre-season loss to non-league side Altrincham. The 17-year-old has since made his own statement.
His message read in part: “Happy to sign my first professional deal with Manchester United – great way to end a successful season.” United manager Ten Hag has also been very vocal about his views on Mainoo, suggesting the young player’s placement in the Premier League match against Newcastle was not just a gesture and that he fully expects Mainoo to perform to his standards.
What position does Kobbie Mainoo play?
The youngster is known for his attacking prowess and creativity, and he usually plays in central midfield. Manager of Manchester United’s Under-21 side in Papa Johns Trophy matches Travis Binnion has discussed his ability to play multiple positions in midfield.
He has recently played as a 6, 8 and 10, and this versatility “shows the formation of a really smart football brain and an athletic ability to play all over the field and play in different roles and systems,” he told The Athletic.
“Good things are happening for him. His pinpoint control, high awareness and captivating body touch are his greatest assets. His skills in all arenas are top notch and he has a fiery character on top of that. His many abilities complement each other quite well. He trains with great success in the Premier League.”
Why did Ten Hag give him Man Utd debut against Charlton?
Since the return of domestic football after the 2022 World Cup has led to a packed schedule, Ten Hag has decided to rotate his players for the match against Charlton. The Dutchman has given playing time to players like Tom Heaton, Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay who have previously sat on the bench.
He also injected a lot of youth into the team starting Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Elanga. The decision to start Mainoo is a huge vote of confidence in boss Ten Hag’s teenager, who seems to have had him on his radar for some time.
The teenager sat on Man United’s bench during their Premier League games against Newcastle in October and Wolves on New Year’s Eve, but he didn’t play in either game.
What did Ten Hag say about Mainoo?
Before the game against Charlton started, Ten Hag addressed the media and explained his starting line-up, which included Mainoo. “The opportunity is fantastic for him as he excelled at the winter camp in Spain. He also performed admirably in a friendly match against Everton.
I am happy to give him the chance to participate as he deserved it “MUTV, he revealed. “We need him to be prepared and I believe we have a formidable team here today. This is his first game back but Body put in some solid practice time and should be fine. You have to be on top of you in every situation.”
Mainoo gets a great chance to show his coach what he can do against weaker competition. Charlton may be 12th in League One but they have prevailed Brighton in the League Cup the last time they were on the pitch.
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