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Kobbie Mainoo seizes his chance at Manchester United

Published

2 months ago

December 8, 2022

Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United

y light-text”>MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United in action during Premier… [+] League 2 match between Manchester United U21 and Wolverhampton Wanderers U21 at Carrington Training Ground on October 22, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Manchester United via Getty Images

Ahead of Manchester United’s friendly against Cádiz at the Neuvo Mirandilla on Wednesday night, United manager Erik ten Hag had said the match represented an opportunity for his younger players to show what they could do.

Kobbie Mainoo

United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, 17, listened to his words, put in an impressive performance and scored as United were beaten 4-2.

After coming on as a half-time substitute, Mainoo quickly showed he had the qualities to possibly earn a regular place in United’s midfield in the future.

He displayed his presence, athleticism and composure on the ball, comfortably commanding the attentions of Cádiz’s most experienced players, while also offering attacking threat and laying down passes to the forward line.

Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United

CADIZ, SPAIN – DECEMBER 7: Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United scores his second goal during the… [+] friendly match between Cádiz CF and Manchester United at Nuevo Mirandilla on December 07, 2022 in Cádiz, Spain. (Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Manchester United via Getty Images

He scored in the 48th minute when he received the ball from the right side of the penalty area, crossed towards the goal, beat a player and finished off Cádiz goalkeeper David Gil with his left foot, who benefited from a slight deflection.

Ten Hag

Ten Hag was impressed with what the younger players, especially Mainoo, brought to the game. “They gave energy, and they run; they fight,” he said afterward.

Mainoo’s mature display came as no surprise to United managers, who had hoped he would make some sort of first-team appearance this season.

Youth Cup

He played a central role in United’s victory in their first FA Youth Cup since 2011 at the end of last season, starting every game in that run and contributing two goals, and has continued to progress this season.

Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United

CADIZ, SPAIN – DECEMBER 07: Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United celebrates scoring their second goal… [+] during the friendly match between Cádiz CF and Manchester United at Nuevo Mirandilla on December 07, 2022 in Cádiz, Spain. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Manchester United via Getty Images

Mainoo is considered to potentially have the complete package for a central midfielder: pace, physicality, a great touch, impressive feet, goals, commitment in the tackle, a strong work ethic and attacking instincts.

At the moment, he is also an adaptable player, who can play a defensive role, an attacking role or even as the number 10 playmaker.

Born in Stockport

Born in Stockport, Mainoo has been with United since he was 9 years old and progressed through their youth ranks before signing his first professional contract in May this year.

Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United U18s

United managers have always been impressed with his talent on the pitch, but they are confident that he also has the personality and maturity to become a lasting success.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 11: Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United U18s celebrates after the FA Youth… [+] Cup Final between Manchester United U18s and Nottingham Forest U18s at Old Trafford on May 11, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Manchester United via Getty Images

This season, Mainoo has mainly been playing with the Under-21s, but has also been asked to train with the first team and was given a place on the bench by Ten Hag for United’s Premier League game against Newcastle in October. .

He has also made two international appearances for the England under-18 team this season against the Netherlands and Belgium.

But he’s still a 17-year-old, who doesn’t turn 18 until next April, and is currently not ready to be regularly pushed into the first team.

There is an expectation that United will send him out on loan, possibly in January, to gain more first-team experience, either with a Championship side or in Europe.

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