The meteoric rise of Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo has captivated the fanbase’s hearts.
A dynamic midfielder with the capabilities to control any situation – his ability is incomprehensible.
Composure, style and sophistication are trademarks of a veteran player with a decade of experience at the highest level.
However, having turned 19 in April, this Stockport lad presents an entirely different dynamic.
From an emergence as an undroppable fixture for Erik ten Hag’s side to the calming presence in Gareth Southgate’s midfield – this is the story of England’s generational midfielder.
Early days
Born in Stockport to Ghanaian parents in April 2005, Mainoo grew up in the suburb of Cheadle Hulme.
His love for sports was evident from an early age, commencing his footballing journey with Cheadle & Gatley Junior Football Club before moving to Failsworth Dynamos at six.
It will come as no surprise that his star emerged quickly.
With nationwide interest sparking a host of offers, he sealed a move to Old Trafford at nine – declining the offer to sign with Manchester City.
He would split his time between Failsworth and United for several years, spending three days per week with his beloved Reds.
Development
Having covered the youth teams for several years, his playing technique – while evolving through maturity – has always stood out amongst his teammates.
For those unaware, Mainoo played as a striker until his mid-teens, gradually moving into a midfield/wide role at 14.
When you watch the player today, you witness a commanding footballer who craves possession – the same was evident ten years ago.
The Stockport lad just wanted the ball. He loved to take a man on and showcase his skillset.
His five senior goals in 2023-24 come as no surprise when you realise his attacking ability.
There remains ample evidence of the importance of securing a defensive midfielder this summer – one who will allow our young Lion to roam forward.
FA Youth Cup success
There was a growing sense of inevitability with every passing season.
The illustrious academy has produced some of the game’s most memorable names and knows a good thing when it smacks them in the face.
Alongside Argentine sensation Alejandro Garnacho, the underage class of 2021-22 were offering promise when their senior idols suffered.
As a maturing player, his stock grew – even when the camera sight firmly fixated on Garnacho.
An enthralling campaign inevitably led to an FA Youth Cup success against Nottingham Forest at a jam-packed Old Trafford – the first victory since 2011.
An Argentinian brace stole the headlines in the showpiece, but Mainoo was the glue that held the side together throughout.
A crowd of over 67,000 celebrated United overcoming Forest by three goals to one, with the midfielder linking defence to attack.
Senior emergence
At 17, Ten Hag had seen enough and named the talented prospect on the bench for a Premier League fixture against Newcastle on Sunday, October 16, 2022.
He would eventually debut three months later in an EFL fixture against Charlton Athletic.
An FA Cup appearance against Reading followed, and then in the League a month later in a 3-0 victory against Leicester City – entering for a highly-anticipated cameo.
I shared his league debut live alongside my son at the Theatre of Dreams, and both of us were aware of the aura surrounding him on the day.
A regular feature in the Under-21 side in Premier League 2, Neil Cox waxed lyrical about his talents – ultimately claiming the Jimmy Murphy Young player of the year award in 2022-23.
While many were uncertain about the player’s ceiling, Ten Hag had seen enough from three cameos and commitment in training sessions.
Mainoo would travel with the first team to the United States to integrate the midfielder into a partnership with Casemiro and Co.
Ascendency through adversity
America was supposed to be his grand unveiling – a platform to highlight his undeniable skillset outside England.
However, life can be cruel, and an unfortunate injury minutes into a meeting with Real Madrid ruled him out until November.
Many youngsters would have crumbled under the disappointment, but this is no ordinary boy.
He set about refining his rehabilitation and adhering to a set medical structure to enable the smoothest possible solution. If anything, that is a testament to the understanding that he possesses a wise head on young shoulders.
His November return came in a 3-0 victory against Everton – with a performance that saw him earn the player of the match.
That became a regular occurrence, with notable moments like a game-winning wondergoal against Wolves in Molyneux to his first Old Trafford strike in a 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
Within weeks, he marshalled the midfield and offered instruction to Casemiro during transitions.
Southgate called in March for England’s friendly fixtures against Brazil and Belgium.
He earned his international debut against the Brazilians after 75 minutes before earning the player of the match award for his first start against De Rode Duivels three days later.
A heroic breakthrough campaign culminated with a game-winning goal against City in the FA Cup final – becoming the youngest showpiece goalscorer since John Sissons in 1964.
Unsurprisingly, his efforts earned a nomination for the Premier League Young player of the Season award, with inclusion in England’s European Championships final squad.
It goes without saying – at the time of writing, Mainoo has been the undeniable shining light in an otherwise forgettable series of displays in Germany.
The present and future of Old Trafford
Since signing his first professional contract with Manchester United in May 2022, it is clear that the club must do all they can to build around the Stockport sensation.
He became the third-youngest player to represent his country in a major knockout game less than a fortnight ago, and his stock continues to climb.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe must do everything to solidify a future that ensures Mainoo remains the centre of his Ineos revolution.
Kobbie Boateng Mainoo can do whatever he wants in the game of football, and there is not a team on the planet that wouldn’t bend over backwards to obtain him.
It is easy to run away with your ideology when fantasising about a football team – particularly when you factor in individual players.
However, in this unassuming Cheadle Hulme teenager, the Stretford End has an individual to inspire a belief that good times are not far away.
How highly do you rate Mainoo?
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