Kobbie Mainoo’s breakout campaign at Manchester United has been nothing short of a fairytale for the Carrington graduate.
While, of course, the club’s form hasn’t been at the level fans had hoped it would be heading into the season, ending the term as FA Cup champions and securing a form of European football has left the Old Trafford faithful heading into the summer break with a spring in their step and feeling optimistic about 2024/2025.
One player who has been integral to such optimism is Mainoo. He was one constant silver lining amidst the side’s fluctuating results in recent months and proved last Saturday that he is capable of providing for his club on the greatest of occasions when he made it 2-0 to United at Wembley with a stellar finish.
Not once has the 19-year-old looked out of place when lining up with such senior players and opposition. Against Manchester City, he outshone world-class talents such as Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri in midfield, making it no surprise he was named Player of the Match by Alan Shearer on BBC’s coverage of the tie.
Now that the season has come to an end, plenty of United fans would much rather see their talent wrapped in cotton wool until pre-season begins to ensure he gets a much-deserved rest. However, Gareth Southgate may have something to say about that.
Last week, Mainoo was included in Southgate’s 33-man provisional Euros squad ahead of their warm-up friendlies in June, which will be reduced to 26 before the tournament kicks off on June 14.
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Judging by the manager’s recent comments, we wouldn’t be surprised to see United’s starlet make the final cut and play a key role in Germany for the Three Lions.
“The curious thing about young talent is how well they cope under pressure,” Southgate said of Mainoo in a new interview. “You can see [his] technical ability, everyone can see that, but then it’s about how tactically aware [he is], how mature [he is] and [his] ability to cope in big matches.
“When you are playing for a club like Manchester United, you are always under the spotlight. He has shown that with them and with us in March.
“We have never been afraid to put young players in. If players are good enough, we are not so concerned about their age. It’s helpful to have more evidence when you are making decisions on players.”
“Kobbie has had an amazing season,” he added. “[He] really adjusted well. It’s fabulous for him to finish the season with a goal and a trophy at the end of it.”
