Man Utd officially add dynamic wonderkid to first team squad, Ten Hag is a huge fan

Manchester United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo has been added to the first team section of the club's website after an impressive 2022/23 season to date.

The 17-year-old midfielder has trained with Erik ten Hag's senior squad this season, and was handed a start in the 3-0 Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Charlton earlier this month. He played an hour before being substituted.

He has been a regular fixture on the United bench in recent weeks, including against Arsenal last week, and has made 11 appearances for the U21 side in Premier League 2 this season, scoring two goals.

Mainoo signed his first professional contract in May 2022, being rewarded for his rapid progression through the club's youth academy.

Having been with the Red Devils since the age of nine, the central midfielder is the latest homegrown prospect desperate to make an impression in the first team.

United U21 coach Travis Binnion told The Athletic in a recent interview: "With young players, they're up, they're down, and sometimes they get carried away with themselves. Then they get a reality check and struggle to deal with it.

"The thing with Kobbie is that he comes into the club every day, applies himself really well. He's never too high, never too low, he's got a good head on his shoulders."

Mainoo added to first team squad

As per Twitter account UtdFaithfuls, Mainoo is now listed in the first team squad section on United's official club app.

Just noticed Man Utd have now listed 17-year-old Kobbie Mainoo as a first-team player on the club's app.

Erik ten Hag obviously rates him highly so not wasting time with his development. Exceptional prospect. pic.twitter.com/bqgSXgPJ0E

— UtdFaithfuls (@UtdFaithfuls) January 27, 2023

This is also the case on their official website, with the number 73 listed in midfield following his debut against Charlton. He is the youngest player currently in the squad, which showcases how highly United coaches rate him.

Mainoo can play in several different midfield roles and is competent both offensively and defensively, which could make him an ideal option for the club going forward if his impressive development continues.

And speaking after Mainoo's debut against Charlton, Ten Hag suggested the 17-year-old was more than deserving of a senior team call-up.

He explained (quotes via Daily Mail): "For him it's a great opportunity. He did very well during the winter camp in Spain. He also did very well against Everton in a friendly.

"He deserved to play, so I'm happy to give him the opportunity - it's about deserving it."