(Football news) Manchester United newest academy youngster Kobbie Mainoo has signed a new long-term contract at the club. Mainoo, who recently turned 17, made his first-team debut against Charlton Athletic at Old Trafford in the League Cup in January and Erik ten Hag handed the Stockport-born midfielder his second senior appearance from the bench against Reading in the FA Cup. Mainoo joined the United academy when he was nine and has long been considered as one of the brightest prospect in his age group.
According to inside club sources they have indicated that Mainoo is known around the club as a very calm character, who takes in everything being suggested by the academy staff as they would be surprised if he got ahead of himself. Mainoo was the second youngest member of the Youth Cup winning team and is a real natural talent with high technical ability, while his dedication to improving his physical abilities has also been noted by Erik Ten Hag and co.
Mainoo’s attitude is said to be the best attribute that has made him stand out from the rest of the players at Carrington. The World Cup break also gave Ten Hag a chance to work closely with the club’s youngsters and Ten Hag rewarded Mainoo with his first start against Charlton. The youngster was an unused substitute for the 2-2 draw against Leeds on Wednesday but more now more opportunities could be on the way, with Casemiro facing another two games out through suspension and Christian Eriksen is a long-term injury absentee. He has outshone his fellow youth players and could be set for an even brighter future.
After making his first-team debut against Charlton, the youngster said: “It’s an unbelievable feeling. I’ve been at this club all my life and it’s all led to tonight. To have my family here watching me, surrounding me, it’s just amazing.
“All my immediate family were here, I think bringing anyone else would be too much! They were all here, supporting me, and I waved to them after the game. The team sheet was put up and I was starting, so it was a bit of a shock but I thought, ‘I’ve got to do a job. There were a few butterflies but it was more just excitement. I played at Old Trafford in the Youth Cup final and I remember that feeling. It was amazing and to have it again was brilliant.”
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