Kobbie Mainoo’s Last-Minute Winner Extends 8-Year Man Utd Record
Manchester United’s 18-year-old sensation, Kobbie Mainoo, secured a last-ditch victory for the Red Devils in their match against Wolves. This impressive feat continued a remarkable record for the club, as it marked the third consecutive 90th-minute winning goal scored by players aged 18 or younger from United’s Carrington academy.
Mainoo, a youth star for England, scored his first goal for the club he has supported since childhood in the 97th minute of the match. His magical moment came just seconds after Pedro Neto appeared to have secured a draw for Wolves. Mainoo picked up the ball 35 yards out and showcased his skill by beating a defender, nutmegging Wolves captain Max Kilman, and then curling the ball into the net with his right foot.
United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, and captain, Bruno Fernandes, were full of praise for Mainoo after the match. They recognized his talent and expressed their excitement about seeing him play for the first team. Fernandes even mentioned that he had been aware of Mainoo’s potential since watching him play for the under-18s a few years ago.
What makes Mainoo’s goal even more impressive is that it follows in the footsteps of two other United prodigies. Alejandro Garnacho scored a late winner for United against Fulham in November 2022, while Marcus Rashford clinched victory away to Hull City in 2016 with his own 90th-minute goal. In fact, four out of the last five 90th-minute winning goals in the Premier League by players aged 18 or younger have been scored by United players. Federico Macheda holds the fifth spot on this list with his winning goal in 2009.
Mainoo himself described his achievement as a dream come true. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play for his boyhood club in the Premier League and stated his determination to win more games. His passion and talent have certainly made him a player to watch.
As the Red Devils celebrate this incredible record, fans and pundits alike are eager to see what other young talents will emerge from United’s renowned academy. With a history of nurturing and developing promising players, the future looks bright for Manchester United.