Kobbie Mainoo is enjoying a whirlwind couple of months after receiving his first call-up to the senior England side, having previously featured for the youth teams.
Mainoo made his Premier League debut last season but it was in last year’s pre-season that he would be promoted to the first team.
An injury in the off-season halted his progress but he eventually made his maiden Premier League start in a 3-0 win over Everton.
Since that game, Mainoo has been one of the first names on the teamsheet under Ten Hag and now, less than five months since that night at Goodison Park, he is widely regarded as one of the most promising talents in Europe.
When Gareth Southgate announced his squad for their friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, Mainoo was not named in the list. Instead, he was due to feature for the U21’s side.
Mainoo responded to that decision with a performance for the history books in the 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final last weekend and was subsequently promoted to the seniors.
At just 18 years old, he is one of United’s most consistent players and highlights from his first training sessions with England have now emerged, as seen below
Kobbie with the finish 💫
Go behind the scenes as the #ThreeLions prepare for Brazil!
— England (@England) March 21, 2024
Footage courtesy of England
Mainoo bossing it in England training 😤🏴pic.twitter.com/577lIgbfcp
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) March 21, 2024
At club level, Mainoo offers something that no other player can provide and it will be interesting to see how Gareth Southgate utilises United’s talented midfielder if he plays.
If his first full season at United is anything to go by, no occasion will be too big for Mainoo as he has already proven for the Reds.
Supporters have already begun drawing up the ideal England midfield, in which Mainoo features prominently alongside Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham.
