Kobbie Mainoo’s incredible journey is a motivating story for the Cheadle & Gatley boys, which saw his first running steps.

Last Sunday afternoon, the U14 Cheadle & Gatley team had a brilliant 4-0 victory over Stalybridge. Of these, two goals belonged to Aaron Laycock, a 13-year-old talent and passionate fan of a famous alumni of the club. “He played so well,” Aaron shared with admiring eyes. “More importantly, he is very humble. I see that clearly, not complacent, and that is the key to reaching the top.”

The nаme mentioned is none other than Kobbie Mainoo, a 19-year-old boy who is on his way to establishing himself as a key player in Manchester United. He also just made his first start for England at EURO 2024 against Slovakia yesterday.

Mainoo’s journey is an inspirational tale for the boys of Cheadle & Gatley, where he took his first steps. Aaron, a Mancunian by profession, has Rashford’s nаme on the back of his Christmas shirt. Marcus Rashford also grew up in the area, but Aaron insists his next idol will be “Mainoo, the inspiration”.

Mainoo has won the trust of coach Southgate.

Born and raised in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, Mainoo showed his natural talent early. The first coach Steve Vare, who coached Mainoo at Cheadle Hulme School, still remembers vividly the 4-year-old boy with extraordinary abilities. “The kid dominated every match ,” Vare recalled. “I had to think of all sorts of tricks, only letting him shoot with his left foot, forcing him to pass the ball, just to “hold back” the boy a bit.”

At the age of six, Mainoo joined Failsworth Dynamos, where coach Ian Kelly was quickly impressed by the boy’s superb technique. “He was the epitome of technique and dribbling ,” Kelly said. “The only lesson was to learn to play as a team, to pass the ball rather than dribble.”

Paul Newton, who worked with Mainoo at Cheadle & Gatley and later in individual training sessions, compares Mainoo to the talented group of players he has coached, including the sons of Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher. “Even at the age of six or seven, he had it all ,” Newton said. “He reminded me of the talents who have made their mark in the England team.”

Mainoo had impressive performances for the Red Devils last season.

Both Manchester United and Manchester City have been keeping an eye on Mainoo since he was just six years old. His relationship with the Red Devils began with Manchester United Foundation training sessions, where scout Dermot Clarke spotted the unseen gem. Mainoo even trained at both Manchester clubs’ academies before choosing the Red shirt at the age of eight. “His family were always very United-minded ,” Newton said.

At Manchester United’s academy, Mainoo continued to shine. “He was always an attacking, creative player,” says academy director Nick Cox. “We rotated Mainoo’s position from winger to centre-forward, giving him the freedom to develop.”

The 2021-22 season sees Mainoo explоde in the U18 United shirt. The goal in the 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest in the FA Youth Cup final in front of nearly 70,000 spectators at the Theater of Dreams is the clearest proof.

Coach Neil Wood, who leads Kobbie Mainoo in the UEFA Youth League, highly appreciated his student’s progress: “Everyone can see that Mainoo has great personal technique. He holds the ball, handles the ball, and passes the ball evenly.” Very good. Those are the typical qualities of a Man United player.”

Mainoo is expected to soon become a mainstay in both the club and the national team.

Erik Ten Hag was also quick to recognise Mainoo’s potential. His first-team debut came in January 2023, in a Carabao Cup win over Charlton Athletic. The Dutchman was impressed by Mainoo’s drive and tactical awareness. “He improves game by game,” Ten Hag said. “The important thing is to keep his composure.”

An ankle ιnjury suffered in a pre-season friendly against Real Madrid has hampered Mainoo’s progress somewhat, but his impressive return has convinced Southgate to hand him a starting place at the EUROs.

From the golden boy of the academy, Kobbie Mainoo is standing on the threshold of history. With natural talent and dedicated guidance from top coaches, Mainoo is expected to become a pillar of the Red Devils and the Three Lions in the near future.