Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Manchester United, England, Kobbie Mainoo, Gareth Southgate, FA Cup, Liverpool, Alejandro Garnacho
Tom Jenkins
Topics: Manchester United, England, Kobbie Mainoo, Gareth Southgate, FA Cup, Liverpool, Alejandro Garnacho
Kobbie Mainoo's sensational breakout season for Manchester United has resulted in the teenager getting a well-deserved England call-up ahead of two international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Mainoo only made his first start for the club in November against Everton, but the 18-year-old's performances since have catapulted the youngster into the United starting 11 on a consistent basis.
While fellow United teenager Alejandro Garnacho is known for his raw energy and unpredictable brilliance, Mainoo has made his name as almost the polar opposite with his composure and maturity key aspects of his game.
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After being initially snubbed by Gareth Southgate, Mainoo's performance in the FA Cup against Liverpool appeared to have done enough to prove the England manager wrong as the 18-year-old was promoted to the senior team on Monday morning.
Initially, Southgate had given a lack of experience as the reason behind leaving Mainoo out.
"I think that he's doing brilliantly for a young player and we're never slow to put a young player into seniors. But he's only had a handful of games and you have to be very careful development-wise in making those decisions at the right time." Southgate told the media following his squad announcement.
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The England manager's U-turn may come as a surprise, but it's certainly a welcome one as many see Mainoo as a potential starter for the Euros in just three months' time.
This won't be the first time Mainoo has played above his age category, as Mainoo has had to deal with special treatment his entire youth career.
At Cheadle & Gatley, coach Steve Vare had to make up special rules to level the playing field between Mainoo and the other boys due to his immense talent.
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"He could only score with his weaker foot or he had to pass it to a team-mate, I started to push him onto the other pitch and play him against the older boys," Vare recalled to the Daily Mail.
Interestingly despite his incredible football brain, Mainoo has only been commanding the midfield for a matter of seasons after transitioning in the 2020/21 season.
The English midfielder was originally deployed by United as a striker or winger at academy level, making his composure and understanding of his new position even more impressive.