Meet Kobbie Mainoo, 18, who was spotted at nine and made a ‘unbelievable’ debut that impressed Roy Keane

KOBIE MAINOO’S Man Utd Premier League debut was perfect.

Gary Neville said the 18-year-old was a player Pep Guardiola would want after his debut against Everton.

Kobbie Mainoo's full debut for Man Utd could not have gone better

Kobbie Mainoo’s Man Utd debut was perfect.

Teen wonderkid Mainoo put in an all-action display at Goodison Park against Everton

Teen sensation Mainoo played all-action against Everton at Goodison Park.

One of Mainoo's many highlights included a decisive clearance off the lineA crucial line clearance was one of Mainoo’s highlights.

Impressing even the hardest In his Sky Sports post-analysis, Roy Keane praised the adolescent wonderkid.

“Unbelievable, I don’t want to get too carried away but I’m sure we will,” Keane added.

“He always seemed to know when to go long and when to go short. An all-around performance off the ball.

I know the club admires him. The manager must trust him enough to send him in for the game against Everton today.Good luck, youngster. He excelled. Great start for him. I hope he stays healthy and gets more games for Man United because he looked like a Man United player today. Great courage, liked watching him.”

After a five-star performance in the Goodison Park pressure cooker, he is back on track after an ankle ιnjury in preseason.

He displayed defensive nous with a line clearance.

In January, Mainoo debuted in the EFL Cup win over Charlton.

An early substitute debut in a 3-1 FA Cup triumph over Reading was followed by a late league appearance against Leicester City.

However, Carrington officials believe the gifted youngster might lead the midfield for years.

In May 2022, the Stockport-born teenager received his first professional contract after helping win the FA Youth Cup last year.

 

His improvement with the Red Devils Under-18s and Under-21s has impressed Erik ten Hag, who wants to play him more in the first team.

Been with the club since nine

Mainoo started youth football with Cheadle & Gatley.

United scouted him at nine and he rose through the youth divisions to become a top prоspect.

United fans saw the playmaker play against Altrincham in July 2022.

BBC Manchester commentator Jonny Crowther termed him “different class”.

Last season, he dazzled spectators in the EFL Trophy versus Carlisle.

Mainoo celebrates wining the FA Youth Cup with Man Utd's U18'sFA Youth Cup winner Mainoo celebrates with Man Utd U18s.On United's preseason tour of the US in the summer Mainoo starredMainoo starred on United’s summer US preseason tour.However, an ankle injury in preseason curtailed Mainoo and Utd's plansAn ankle ιnjury in preseason derailed Mainoo and Utd’s plans.Manager Erik ten Hag has included Mainoo in Utd's first team training sessionsUtd manager Erik ten Hag has added Mainoo in first-team training.His vision, anticipation, and tackling were impressive.One fan wrote: “I could watch 17-year-old Kobbie Mainoo’s compilations all day. Man Utd have a player,” and “Investing in Kobbie Mainoo stocks now.”Third: “Watched Kobbie Mainoo vs Carlisle yesterday. So Ten Hag must include him in the first team. Not a joke.A baller. He only needs physical strength, not Frenkie De Jong. The work is easy for him.”

Ten Hag has listened

Ten Hag, who gives youth an opportunity at Ajax, has taken a closer look at Mainoo due to his eagerness.

He attends first-team training often.

Teenage was first picked in matchday squad for 0-0 draw at Newcastle last season.

Ten Hag said Mainoo, who has represented England’s Under-18 team, wasn’t there for numbers.

The Dutch manager told the club’s website: “Young players must perform, not experience.

Mainoo has risen through the ranks at Old Trafford since the age of nine

Mainoo has progressed at Old Trafford since age nine.

Back in February, Mainoo signed a new longterm contract with the club

Mainoo signed a long-term contract with the club in February.

Mainoo is expected to be the heartbeat of Utd's midfield for years to come

Mainoo is anticipated to lead Utd’s midfield for years.

“You are here to contribute to the team, to the team’s success, and that is why he is here.”

With Casemiro reportedly leaving and Frenkie de Jong not coming from Barcelona, Mainoo might fill the midfield vacancy United has coveted since Paul Pogba left.

He may become a club legend, as many expected the Frenchman to.