Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has now given an exclusive update from behind the scenes regarding their current crop of young talents. Kobbie Mainoo, a midfielder for Manchester United, is without a doubt the most exciting player to have come through the club’s academy in recent years.
Over the years, the academy at United’s training facility has developed some incredible players, such as Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Marcus Rashford, Sir Bobby Charlton, and Gary Neville. Not many have established themselves as United’s first team regulars in more recent times, perhaps as a result of the high cost of playing football these days.
Naturally, the most recent case study is that of Mainoo, the youthful midfielder who started his first Premier League game in November against Everton. Considering how many unsuccessful transfers the Manchester United squad has had in recent years, Old Trafford supporters will surely want to see more academy graduates break into the starting lineup.
Mainoo has the makings of a star.
Had it not been for a pre-season injury, Mainoo might have played a significant role in the United team for the whole of this season. Erik ten Hag offered the youthful midfielder the chance to show his mettle with the senior team, but he didn’t play until November.
Everton versus Kobbie Mainoo
Figures
Tackles Winning Percentage
100%
Accuracy Pass
83%
Goes through
34 of 41
Won Duels
5
Ball Retrieves
3
Completed Dribbles
Two
Receptions
Two
Precise Extended Balls
Two
Stats from Statman Dave (via GIVEMESPORT on X)
When United took on Everton in November, the 18-year-old was an unexpected inclusion in the starting lineup. Mainoo was trusted ahead of the Moroccan international, with veteran midfielder Sofyan Amrabat being named on the bench. Journalist Dean Jones said to GIVEMESPORT following the match that Mainoo can restore the bond between the team and the supporters.
The fans will want to see events like these occur more frequently, even though it’s really exciting to watch a local boy establish himself as a regular in the United side. The Red Devils must give their full attention to developing players from the academy as it has the potential to save the team a great deal of money down the road.
Beth Tucker, the presenter of The United Stand, recently told GIVEMESPORT that Shea Lacey, 16, is “one to watch” in the United youth setup.
Hojlund, Rasmus
Updating you on Fabrizio Romano: United is “super happy” with its academy
Due to his talent and work ethic, young Mainoo serves as a prime illustration of why Romano claims that United is satisfied with the way their programme is now operating. The pressure that comes with playing for the Red Devils may make it take some time for other youngsters to emerge, the Italian journalist continues, but overall sentiment towards the junior setup is favourable. Romano said in an interview with GIVEMESPORT…
“I’m definitely very pleased with them. They are aware of the academy’s exceptional performance. The finest illustration is Kobbie Mainoo. Not only is he gifted, but Manchester United also wants someone who works hard. Erik ten Hag is after that. He is more interested in the training effort than the skill. For the other young players at the team, Kobbie’s actions are likely sending the strongest message. They are ecstatic about them. Seeing other players may take some time because Manchester United puts a lot of pressure on its players. As soon as possible, people want to see the outcomes. However, the atmosphere is often extremely positive there.”
Man Utd are in a tough phase.
Following the Boxing Day games, United will play at Nottingham Forest, who have had some outstanding home performances this year. With Nuno Espirito Santo’s recent appointment as manager, the Tricky Trees will be hoping to capitalise on the manager bounce.
The Red Devils then travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers in January after playing Tottenham Hotspur at home. West Ham United and Aston Villa are the next teams to play, with the challenging away match against Luton Town on February 16.
