Inside Mainoo’s speedy rise to the highest as Man Utd starlet set to signal new deal
Kobbie Mainoo has found himself on a rapid ride from Stockport to superstardom that shows no signs of slowing down.
But despite reaching for the stars, Mainoo remains determined to keep his feet on the ground. In the space of just seven months, Mainoo’s life has been turned upside down.
From making his Premier League debut in November, to winning his first England cap, to being man-of-the match in Manchester United’s stunning FA Cup Final win, Mainoo has been reeling off the chapters of his own footballing fairytale.
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And the whirlwind of wonderment will not stop here. Barring injury, Mainoo will go to the Euros this summer and is expected to be in Gareth Southgate’s starting XI for the opening group game against Serbia.
And when he comes back to Manchester, United will be waiting for him with open arms and a new contract worth £80,000-a-week which reflects his new status in the team.
What have you made of Kobbie Mainoo’s rapid rise? Let us know in the comments section
(Image: Getty Images)
Those who know Mainoo are not surprised at how the teenager has been able to overcome every challenge put in front of him. Since joining United at the age of nine, Mainoo has been groomed for the top.
And what England and United now have is an unflappable footballer on the pitch, and a humble man off it.
To such an extent that despite treating himself to a new BMW a few months ago, he refuses to park it amongst the fleet of flash sports cars all his team-mates own, and leaves it round the front of the training ground car park instead.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Mainoo would rather go to Nando’s than nightclubs – and drinks water instead of champagne. Marcus Rashford, take note.
Nothing fazes Mainoo, who has transitioned seamlessly into the United team since the autumn with a string of performances a midfielder in his prime would admire.
He’s even carried United at times, scoring some crucial goals to become an automatic choice. His impact has earned him a new fan club, which includes England and United legend Bryan Robson, no less.
(Image: Getty Images)
“He could start for England at the Euros,” said Robson, who knows a thing or two about how to boss a midfield and has even driven to Carrington just to watch Mainoo train
“He’s that good, and he’s only going to get better. I’d have no qualms telling Gareth Southgate to pick him. He’s shown nothing but maturity throughout his Manchester United career.”
Erik ten Hag was made aware of Mainoo’s potential when he took charge of United in the summer of 2022. He promoted him to first team training, having realised he had outgrown the academy team, and included him on a winter training camp in Cadiz, Spain.
(Image: PA)
His senior debut came last season, but an ankle problem picked up on last summer’s pre-season tour of America disrupted Ten Hag’s plans to start the new campaign with him in the team.
Ten Hag had to wait until November – and tough trip to a hostile Goodison Park to face Everton – to unleash Mainoo.
But it didn’t bother Mainoo, who was man-of-the match following a faultless display. And a bona fide star had been born.
