Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo has enjoyed a rise to prominence this season as a first-team player.
Not only has the 18-year-old midfielder become a regular in Erik ten Hag’s team, with several influential performances under his belt, but he has just received his first call-up to the senior England side.
Mainoo was promoted into Gareth Southgate’s senior squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
The youngster has previously represented England at U17 and U19 level, but we shouldn’t forget that he has made 20 appearances for United this season.
He made his first United start against Everton in November and has gone from strength to strength ever since.
Mainoo names Eric Cantona among footballing heroes
Even though Eric Cantona was a bit before Mainoo’s time, the youngster considers the Frenchman as one of his footballing heroes.
In an interview with BBC Radio 5 and talkSPORT, as quoted by Simon Peach from the Press Association, Mainoo was asked about his footballing heroes. The teenager responded by naming three players: Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Cantona.
“I’d say Rooney, Scholes as well and King Eric,” Mainoo said. “It was a bit before my time but I still appreciate it.”
Kobbie Mainoo spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live & talkSPORT after his first England call-up. Came across really impressively
Asked about his footballing heroes, the #MUFC teenager said: “I’d say Rooney, Scholes as well & King Eric. It was a bit before my time but I still appreciate it” pic.twitter.com/vED5L2Oaq4
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) March 20, 2024
The sky is the limit for Mainoo and he could go on to achieve legendary status at the club like Cantona, Rooney and Scholes.
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