Kobbie Mainoo is only 18 years old from England. He is creatively outstanding Stockport-born midfielder.
Kobbie Mainoo joined Travis Binnion’s Under-18s squad in 2021 and excelled throughout the season, showing off excellent vision and technical ability in the middle of the park.
A graduate of Cheadle & Gatley junior football club, Mainoo scored twice in United’s run to the 2022 FA Youth Cup final, heading home at Old Trafford against Everton after a smart finish away at Reading in the fourth round. He then helped the team beat Nottingham Forest in the showpiece game as we lifted the trophy for the first time in a decade.
He was part of the U17s team that travelled to Dallas, Texas to take part in the Adidas Generation Cup in April 2022 and has gained experience in Premier League 2 and also the EFL Trophy, producing a fine display in the opening 2022 group campaign win at Carlisle United.
After more sterling work for the Under-21s, he was named on the senior bench for the first time when United drew 0-0 with Newcastle on 16 October 2022. He scored in the friendly against Cadiz as part of the winter training camp and, at the tender age of 17, was thrust into the limelight when making his senior bow in the Carabao Cup quarter-final with Charlton Athletic in January 2023. The midfielder then made a substitute appearance in our 3-1 FA Cup win against Reading before being handed his Premier League debut off the bench against Leicester in February.
Injury Update:
The young player, Mainoo, secured a spot in Ten Hag’s starting lineup against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. However, he was substituted at half-time, with Scott McTominay taking his place in midfield. Contrary to expectations, United manager confirmed in a press conference that Mainoo did not sustain any injury. Instead, his withdrawal from the game was a tactical decision, one for which Ten Hag expressed “no regrets.”
The move by Ten Hag sparked bewilderment and confusion among fans and pundits alike. Despite being one of the standout performers for the team, the teenager was strategically replaced, leaving observers questioning the rationale behind the decision.
Market Value:
Mainoo’s performances since his return from a pre-season injury, which unfortunately sidelined him at the beginning of the campaign, have been nothing short of outstanding. Despite the setback, the academy product has managed to showcase remarkable skills on the field.
According to reports from Sport Bible, Mainoo’s market value has witnessed a remarkable surge over the past 12 months. In November 2022, he was valued at a modest 257,000, and within this period, his market worth has skyrocketed, now reaching an impressive €10 million, as per the CIES Football Observatory. This remarkable increase of 40 times in market value is a testament to Mainoo’s impactful performances and growing stature in the football world.
Ten Hag on Kobbie Mainoo: #MUFC 🔴 pic.twitter.com/4kFuQnkP2f
— Digital Jerseys 𝕏 (@Fasn_Designs) February 2, 2024