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Topics: Manchester United, Kobbie Mainoo, Premier League
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Manchester United, Kobbie Mainoo, Premier League
Kobbie Mainoo's transfer value has skyrocketed after being valued at just £257,000 in November 2022.
The 18-year-old midfielder, who has made nine appearances for Manchester United this season, is undoubtedly one of the most exciting prospects to come out of their academy system in recent years.
Erik ten Hag handed Mainoo his first competitive start against Everton in November and his Man of the Match performance impressed many.
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He also looked at home against Liverpool at Anfield but perhaps his best outing came on Monday night, when he won all eight of his tackles as United progressed to the FA Cup fourth round.
As a result of his breakthrough, Mainoo's transfer value has gone through the roof. In fact, CIES Football Observatory estimate he is now worth €10 million.
Mainoo has saved the Premier League club at least £60 million, according to former United midfielder Tom Cleverley, who has heaped praise on the youngster.
“The biggest positive, not just from the Liverpool game, has been the emergence of Mainoo,” Cleverley told Ladbrokes Fanzone.
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“He looks very assured, very calm and composed on the ball and a good decision maker. He keeps on impressing; it’s always nice when you don’t have to spend £60-70m on a player because he’s on your books already.
“I think (Erik ten Hag) has managed him well, he had a great game at Goodison, and then he took him out of the limelight. We can’t expect too much from him too soon. But this has been a great start to his career.”
Cleverley added: "A lot of fans are asking why he’s not playing every game, but it’s very difficult to be doing that at 18 years of age.
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"Things change a lot in football and there’s always the fear that players – particularly the younger lads – have to prove themselves all over again to a new manager. I think, personally, Mainoo has done enough.
"The whole football world has seen how well he’s done. Coming on at Galatasaray, playing in the Everton game at Goodison Park and then again at Anfield against Liverpool…they’re three really hostile atmospheres and he didn’t look fazed."