Manchester United prospect Kobbie Mainoo is the most talked about young footballer in England after a rapid rise to stardom.
This season Manchester United fans have been enjoying seeing Kobbie Mainoo embed himself in the first team, now firmly established as a first team starter.
The 18-year-old has been a joy to watch, bringing balance and composure to a midfield which was sorely lacking it, before his first Premier League start.
This week Mainoo was called into the England squad for the first time, and now supporters across the country will be able to fully appreciate his talent.
Kobbie Mainoo earned call to England squad
Kobbie Mainoo was originally scheduled to go into the England under-21 squad. Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate then had a charge of heart.
Part of the reason for this may have been Mainoo’s excellent performance in Manchester United’s spectacular FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool.
Ian Wright had labelled Mainoo as ‘immense’ in reaction to his display, while Manchester United fans were blown away with the ease at which he sauntered through the Liverpool midfield and defence at times.
And reportedly, Liverpool’s coaching staff felt the same way too.
According to The Mirror: “At half-time, members of Liverpool’s staff were expressing their admiration for Mainoo and his outrageous talent.”
You can’t blame them. There might have been a tinge of jealousy too. For all the talented prospects in Liverpool’s squad, none of them are Kobbie Mainoo, with his combination of skillset and maturity.
Hard work only beginning for Mainoo
Club legend Roy Keane this week spoke out about Mainoo’s ability, likening his rise to how Paul Scholes emerged back in the mid-90s.
Manchester United fans can hope Mainoo enjoys the same success. There are no guarantees whatsoever, but we will sit back and enjoy the ride.
For Mainoo, the hard work is only just beginning, he must learn how to deal with the extra attention, and the expectation.
Manchester United need to add quality around him too, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already spoken about doing this, ahead of a crucial summer for the club.