Featured Image Credit: Man United/ITV
Topics: Manchester United, Community Shield, Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester City, Football, Fan Reactions
Alex Brotherton
Topics: Manchester United, Community Shield, Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester City, Football, Fan Reactions
It took Manchester United fans just a few minutes of the Community Shield to notice something 'very different' about Kobbie Mainoo.
United took on Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley on Saturday afternoon, two months after beating their neighbours in the FA Cup final.
City were without John Stones, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker and Rodri, all of whom are yet to return to training following their participation in the final of Euro 2024 last month.
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United youngster Kobbie Mainoo also played in the final in Berlin, but was in the starting XI at Wembley after returning from his summer break earlier in the week.
Mainoo enjoyed an impressive break-out season at Old Trafford last season, earning a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad for the Euros.
The 18-year-old didn't start any of England's group matches but brought much-needed composure and ball-progressing ability during the knockout stages.
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What Mainoo lacked last season was physicality, but minutes into the Community Shield, United fans noticed that he appears to have grown slightly and has managed to bulk up in the space of a month.
"Mainoo looks huge? Might have taken another physical leap this season," one United fan wrote on X.
Another remarked: "Mainoo looks bigger every time I watch him."
A third fan commented: "Mainoo looks MASSIVE!"
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The United academy graduate looked typically unflustered on Saturday, as United survived some early City pressure to grow into the match.
After Oscar Bobb and James McAtee wasted great chances for Pep Guardiola's side, United really should have taken the lead when Marcus Rashford curled a shot well wide of the far post when through on goal.