Mainoo’s Top 4 Players: Man Utd Idols and Brazil Icon
Eighteen-year-old Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has had a whirlwind rise to the senior squad of the England national team. With just 23 appearances for his club, Mainoo is now in contention for a debut at Wembley against Brazil or Belgium. His ultimate goal for the season is to make it into England’s Euros squad. While he focuses on club football for now, Mainoo hopes to impress during the training camp and earn his first cap.
Mainoo’s journey has been remarkable. He was initially called up for England’s Under-21s last week but caught the attention of Gareth Southgate during United’s FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool. As a result, he was swiftly promoted to the senior Three Lions squad. Reflecting on the experience, Mainoo described it as a “mad couple of days” filled with shock, happiness, and a whirlwind of emotions. He expressed gratitude towards Southgate for making him feel comfortable and explaining his role within the team.
Although Mainoo has represented England at youth level, he is still eligible to play for Ghana due to his Ghanaian heritage. He acknowledged his pride in his roots but also expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to play for England. When asked about his footballing heroes, Mainoo mentioned Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, and Eric Cantona from Manchester United, as well as Brazilian legend Ronaldinho. He admires Ronaldinho’s joyful and free-spirited style of play and considers playing against Brazil an amazing opportunity.
Mainoo’s breakthrough journey from an academy prospect to a key player in just 15 months showcases his talent and determination. His full debut for Manchester United came on January 10, 2023, in a 3-0 win over Charlton in the Carabao Cup. Since then, he has progressively made his mark in the Premier League and Champions League, scoring his first senior goal against Newport County in the FA Cup.
Despite his impressive performances, Mainoo’s omission from Gareth Southgate’s England squad drew criticism from former professionals such as Ian Wright. However, the situation quickly changed when Mainoo received his first senior England call-up for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. This opportunity allows him to showcase his skills on the international stage.
Mainoo’s rise to prominence serves as an inspiration to young footballers everywhere. From being a boyhood Manchester United fan to potentially playing against Brazil, an iconic team, Mainoo’s journey is a testament to hard work and perseverance. As he continues to impress both at club and international level, it will be exciting to see how far his talent can take him in the future.