Kobbie Mainoo is having an amazing year. This all started in May 2022, when the youngster signed his professional contract at Manchester United. His role in United’s triumph in the youth FA Cup win won the heart of Erik Ten Hag, who named him on the bench for the clash against Newcastle United in October 2022. His debut came in an EFL Cup win over Charlton Athletic, showing everyone what great player he could be.
Fast forward to 2024, and Mainoo’s career couldn’t have gone any better. He’s become a mainstay for Manchester United. In the wake of earning his first call-ups for England, Jude Bellingham, an experienced youngster himself, has given his verdict on Kobbie Mainoo’s future and how important he could be for club and country.
Jude Bellingham comments on Kobbie Mainoo’s performance
Kobbie Mainoo is having a great season. His regular presence at Manchester United’s midfield started a debate on whether he should make Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Euro 2024 set to kickstart in June. All eyes were on the England boss when he announced his squad for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium during the international break, and he risked the wrath of several England fans when he chose Jordan Henderson over the in-form Kobbie Mainoo.
While Mainoo’s name didn’t come out with the senior team, he was named in the England U-21 squad for their games during the international break. However, just one day into the youth camp, he received a text from Steve Holland, who told him that he had been called up to the first team. He has since appeared against Brazil and Belgium, winning the Man-of-the-Match award in the latter after an impressive performance, prompting some encouraging words from Jude Bellingham.
“He was good tonight. It’s difficult, and I’m speaking like the old head here, but I know how hard it can be when there’s a clamour, and people put a lot of pressure on you,” Jude Bellingham said. “So I don’t want to add fuel to the fire, but he’s definitely a brilliant player, and he’s going to have an amazing future at Manchester United and hopefully for England as well,” the Real Madrid star added.
Gareth Southgate provides input on Mainoo’s contribution
Kobbie Mainoo’s impressive display for England against Belgium in their 2-2 draw earned him widespread praise from pundits, fellow players, and England boss Gareth Southgate, who hailed the youngster for his maturity. “He gives us a different profile of midfield player to anything else we’ve got, and we’re really pleased with what he’s done,” Southgate said.
“You can’t believe his age, really. His attributes are there for everybody to see: that ability to receive under pressure, ride challenges, and manipulate the ball in tight areas,” he added.
Mainoo’s impressive displays have put him in contention for a place in Southgate’s team for Euro 2024. At 18, this will make him one of the youngest players to represent England at a major tournament. Many have praised Kobbie Mainoo for his incredible maturity, and Manchester United are working to tie him down to a long-term deal to secure the future of one of their brightest youngsters.
