Bruno Fernandes was quick to console Kobbie Mainoo after the youngster suffered a sobering end to his emphatic Euro 2024 campaign.
The Manchester United starlet, 19, featured six times at the tournament, with four of those outings coming from the offset.
It’s pretty remarkable the trust that Gareth Southgate eventually exhibited in Mainoo given that he arrived in Germany with only three senior caps to his name, having made his senior debut back in March. United fans were already well aware that he deserved a starting role, but Southgate is one manager who can often take more convincing, being renowned for sticking to his favourites more often than not.
Nevertheless, the midfielder oversaw a remarkable month on international duty, often outplaying senior counterparts Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham while being preferred to the likes of Conor Gallagher and Adam Wharton. He received widespread plaudits for his display in England’s semi-final victory over the Netherlands, during which he ran the show in the middle of the park as the Three Lions clinched a 2-1 victory.
Mainoo proceeded to be named in the starting 11 for last Sunday’s final against Spain, with the tie presenting the opportunity for him to lift a second trophy since May’s FA Cup triumph. Yet, a late winner from Mikel Oyarzabal left Southgate’s men falling onto their knees in despair and inconsolable upon the referee’s full-time whistle.
How Mainoo reacted to Euros heartbreak
He took to Instagram on Monday to express his deep disappointment in the final’s affairs, writing: “Devastated to fall short but proud and grateful to compete in my first major international tournament for my country. We will be back.”
Bruno Fernandes – his skipper at Old Trafford – left a heartwarming comment in response, adding: “What’s yours will come to you, and a bright future is waiting for you.”
