Who is Kobbie Mainoo? Man United’s next big talent earns first Premier League start

Chirayu Parmar November 27, 2023

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Who is Kobbie Mainoo? Man United's next big talent earns first Premier League start — Image Courtesy: @utdscope

Who is Manchester United’s young sensation Kobbie Mainoo? 18-year-old Maino, who made his Premier League debut against Everton, can be the next big thing for the Red Devils.

Mainoo is one of the most exciting youngsters of Manchester United. He made his Premier League debut last season when he came off the bench during the 3-0 home win against Leicester City.

18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo bossed it on his first Premier League start 💫 pic.twitter.com/Byn0ag23D0
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 26, 2023

Erik ten Hag also insisted on giving him game-time in the pre-season. He started against Arsenal but picked up an ankle injury against Real Madrid in July.

Mainoo returned from his injury last month and started on United’s bench for their previous three league games against Manchester City, Fulham and Luton Town.

First Premier League start and a big 3 points, can’t ask for much more. Thanks for the support Reds❤️” #MUFC – Kobbie Mainoo pic.twitter.com/rfvFi0TJbL
— Kobbie Mainoo (@KobbeMainoo) November 27, 2023

Who is Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo?

Mainoo has been sensational for Manchester United’s youth teams and can become the latest talent to emerge from the club’s academy.

The 18-year-old youngster, who plays as a midfielder, was born in Stockport and originally played for Cheadle & Gatley’s juniors. However, Man United decided to sign him when he was just nine.

🔴 Bruno Fernandes on Kobbie Mainoo: "He's the man of the match. For his age he has so much qualities. He sees things before others".

"He is comfortable with the ball and never makes a mistake. Kobbie put in a great performance yesterday, for sure. Very good!". pic.twitter.com/0j8lw7V9Se
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 27, 2023

Since then, he has made an impression across the board, and has steadily progressed through the club’s youth system. Kobbie played for United’s U23 team last season, and was later rewarded with his first professional contract in May 2022.

Mainoo has also represented England with the under-17s, under-18s and under-19s. He is also eligible to represent Ghana.

Moreover, he won the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award last season. This award was previously won by Marcus Rashford, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

Has Manchester United got their own ‘Frenkie de Jong’?

Manchester United were desperate to sign De Jong in 2022, as Ten Hag wanted him. Both clubs also reached an agreement of £73 million.

However, the Dutch midfielder refused to leave Barcelona and stayed at the club.

Nevertheless, United would be happy now that they didn’t spend money on him as they now have academy starlet Kobbie Mainoo.

Many pundits and fans were surprised by his performance against Everton at Goodison Park this weekend. United will now hope that he keeps on improving this season.