England Fans Speculate on Southgate’s Decision to Call up Man Utd’s Mainoo
England football fans are buzzing with excitement and speculation after Gareth Southgate called up Manchester United’s rising star, Kobbie Mainoo, to the England squad. The decision came as a surprise to many, as Mainoo had initially been selected for the U21s but was quickly promoted to the senior squad upon his arrival at St George’s Park. What could be the reason behind this unexpected call-up?
The 18-year-old midfielder has been making waves in the football world since breaking into Erik ten Hag’s starting XI. With 20 games already under his belt for his boyhood club, Mainoo has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with. Now, a Three Lions debut seems imminent, with Mainoo likely to feature in matches against either Brazil or Belgium.
However, England fans have come up with a rather intriguing theory about Southgate’s decision. It turns out that the England manager’s contract expires later this year, and he has emerged as the favorite to take charge at Manchester United this summer. This has led fans to speculate that Southgate called up Mainoo to the senior squad because they may be about to work together at United.
The evidence for this theory comes from a photo of Southgate and Mainoo deep in conversation at St George’s Park. Supporters have been joking about what Southgate might have been saying to his latest ace. One fan quipped, “Can’t wait to manage you next season,” while another joked about discussing Jordan Henderson’s pressing abilities. The banter continued with fans suggesting that Mainoo should secure Southgate the United job if he wants to start ahead of Henderson in the Euros.
Even Arron Scholes, the son of United legend Paul Scholes, joined in on the fun, teasing Mainoo about finding a new club because he plans to sign Kalvin Phillips in the summer.
Mainoo’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. In just 15 months, he went from being an academy prospect to becoming one of the first names on Erik ten Hag’s team sheet. His breakthrough moment came on January 10, 2023, when he made his full debut for Manchester United in a 3-0 win over Charlton in the Carabao Cup. Since then, he has continued to impress, scoring his first senior goal and providing stunning performances along the way.
The inclusion of Mainoo in the England squad has raised eyebrows, especially considering some pundits questioned Southgate’s decision to omit him earlier. Nevertheless, Mainoo’s talent and potential are undeniable, and his call-up to the senior squad is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
As for Southgate, his managerial career has had its ups and downs. He joined Middlesbrough in June 2006, guiding them to a 12th place finish in his first season in Premier League management. Despite relegation in 2009, Southgate stayed on as boss before eventually being sacked in October of the same year. He then took charge of England’s U21s and later became the temporary manager of the senior side following Sam Allardyce’s dismissal. In November 2016, Southgate was appointed as the England boss on a four-year contract.
Under Southgate’s leadership, England reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the European Championship finals in 2021, showcasing the team’s potential. Despite falling short of victory, Southgate signed a new contract in November 2021, keeping him as England boss until December 2024. Now, with the possibility of a move to Manchester United on the horizon, Southgate’s future is filled with exciting possibilities.
In conclusion, the unexpected call-up of Kobbie Mainoo to the England squad has sparked a wave of speculation among fans. With Gareth Southgate’s contract expiring and rumors of him potentially taking charge at Manchester United, supporters believe that the inclusion of Mainoo in the senior squad may be an indication of their future collaboration. Only time will tell if this theory holds any truth, but one thing is for certain – Mainoo’s talent and potential are undeniable, and he is set for a bright future in both club and international football.