Manchester United will soon add a new player to their squad.
In the previous season, young Kobbie Mainoo made the cold winter evenings at Leigh Sports Village more than worthwhile.
The academy of Manchester United plays at Leigh, and Mainoo’s development has been a delight to observe. He was instrumental in the 2021/22 FA Youth Cup victory and made a flawless transition to competing in Premier League 2.
Mainoo’s performances in the academy were rewarded with a first-team debut against Charlton in the League Cup and a Premier League debut a few weeks later, so it was inevitable that he would be the preseason breakout hero.
“It is an extraordinary sensation. After making his debut in January, Mainoo remarked, “I have spent my entire life at this club, and it all led to tonight.”
“It is incredible to have my family surrounding me and witnessing me perform. All of my close relatives were present.
“I believe it would be too much to bring anyone else! They were all here, supporting me, and I waved to them after the game.
It was a bit of a shock to see my name on the team sheet and to learn that I would be starting, but I knew I had a job to do.
A few butterflies were present, but the overwhelming emotion was excitement. I remember how I felt when I played at Old Trafford in the Youth Cup final. It was wonderful and to have it again was brilliant.”
Less than twenty-four hours after making his first-team début, Mainoo was in Staffordshire to cheer on his Under-18 teammates against Stoke.
Mainoo returned to Manchester the following morning for first-team training, and when speaking with individuals close to the player, one gets the impression that he possesses not only the talent but also the necessary mentality to be successful.
The midfielder’s absence from Premier League matchday squads at the conclusion of last season was due to a minor injury, so it was no surprise that Erik ten Hag started him in every significant preseason friendly.
Mainoo started against Leeds, Lyon, Arsenal, and Real Madrid, and he was not included in the academy team that played Wrexham in San Diego, further indicating that he was regarded as a member of the first team.
The MEN reported, prior to the preseason tour of the United States, that Mainoo had been informed that he would not be departing on loan and that he would have a first-team role in the upcoming season, which was reflected by his starts in the United States.
The concern was, after Mainoo’s impressive performances against Leeds and Lyon in Europe, could he perform well against top-tier competition in the United States? Certainly, he did, and he seized opportunities with both hands.
Mainoo was fluid and composed against Arsenal and held his own against Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz.
Real Madrid’s next opponent is the best available team, and Mainoo’s inclusion in the lineup is significant.
The 18-year-old began alongside Casemiro and Mason Mount in midfield, who faced Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham, and Aurelien Tchouameni, so there was no hiding spot for the youngster.
The caption ‘England’s greatest midfielder and Bellingham’ above a picture of Mainoo and the former Borussia Dortmund star was posted jokingly on social media prior to kickoff, which gained traction.
Due to a collision with Casemiro, Mainoo’s promising debut was cut short after only a few minutes.
The academy graduate appeared hesitant to put weight on his ankle, and he was helped off by medical personnel.
It was subsequently confirmed that Mainoo would miss “the first portion” of the season.
“He was performing superbly, but such things occur in football, and you must learn to deal with them.” Because he is so resilient, I am certain he will return,” said Ten Hag.
Since then, Mainoo has been absent from the sport, but his recent social media activity indicates that he will soon return. It will be intriguing to see if he can make an impact with the first team upon his return.
Ten Hag recently brought up Mainoo in a press conference and said, “I know, at the moment, he is not there, but we have seen Kobbie Mainoo play against Arsenal in preseason, and he is ready to play that position [No. 6].” Currently, he is unavailable, but he will definitely have contests this upcoming winter.
Manchester United will soon add a new player to their squad.