At 17, Kobbie Mainoo raced onto the Old Trafford turf to make his Premier League debut for Manchester United against Leicester City.
At 19, the Stockport-born sensation has played a starring role in United’s FA Cup victory – named player of the competition – while being nominated for the prestigious European Golden Boy award.
His exploits earned a first International cameo for England against Brazil in March and a Player of the Match award in his first start for The Three Lions against Belgium only three days later.
Such is his immense talent and ceiling alongside the game’s most exciting prospects that he achieved a spot in Gareth Southgate’s final squad for Euro 2024.
All of this has occurred with less than 40 senior appearances to his name – across club and country – while featuring in the heart of a dysfunctional Reds midfield.
On the cusp of his country’s championship opener against Serbia on Sunday, June 16, the conversation should focus on the talent and options he brings to the table. Instead, individuals have taken it upon themselves to generate an agenda – one seen many times before.
It is an unnecessary insistence to tackle the morale of your own that exists within the ranks of the English media and has played a starring role in many tournament disappointments since I began watching football in the 80s.
Wise words from Erik ten Hag
Erik ten Hag has been lamented by the media throughout the season – with little to no regard for the unmanageable number of variables he has encountered.
Such is the nature of the journalistic agenda against the Dutchman that we digest daily reports – like the ‘Exclusive’ from the Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg – that offer multiple opinions about the time and date of his inevitable dismissal.
However, amid daily ridicule and monotonous questioning regarding his future, the manager has done a sublime job integrating his crop of young guns into the first team.
Following a memorable performance and victory against Pep Guardiola’s side at Wembley, questioning (pitchside) turned to his future and that of the prospects of Mainoo.
In response to a question regarding the teenager, Ten Hag quickly reminded Alan Shearer about the damage the media regularly cause their own.
“I think we have to keep it calm because you are very good – here in England – to push players and managers very high – and then you hammer them when they are [have] one or two bad performances.”
An unfortunate truth
I appreciate the necessity for compelling articles that will engage readers and ultimately appease hierarchy – it comes part and part with the role.
Furthermore, as is common knowledge to most, paper will never refuse ink, and Manchester United will always generate clicks and traction.
However, when it comes to football – particularly in England – journalism possesses a hideous side that takes criticism to an entirely new level – exploiting clickbait and setting narratives against individuals who have not set out to cause harm on a football field.
In the wake of England’s defeat to Iceland yesterday evening, few on the pitch will have walked off happy with their performance.
The headline could have read anything – but a necessity to include a United teenager to maximise the potential of defeat once more reared its expected head.
Instead of focusing on the tournament ahead, the conversation is now a back-and-forth between journalists and supporters, with the topic of a talented Manchester youngster once more the focal point.
Why does there have to be a villain – an individual who shoulders the blame of a collective unit, and why – similar to likes of David Beckham, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka – does it have to be a talented youngster?
Surely, having stomached so many near misses and raging agonies, these individuals would learn that downing tools on your own will not work.
If you wish to get the best out of your team, alienating individuals for clicks is not the way to function – yet, it never changes and I suspect it never will.
The Theatre of Red wishes every member of the United panel participating at the European Championships the best of luck, and regardless of the outcome, you will be welcomed back with open arms by your adoring fanbase.
How do you think Kobbie will get on in Germany? Let us know in the comments below.
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