Kobbie Mainoo earns Man Utd promotion after dazzling performances with Gareth Southgate tracking wonderkid
MANCHESTER UNITED have only just given Kobbie Mainoo the dressing-room status his whizkid displays deserve.
Fans might be surprised to hear the England hopeful was NOT part of United‘s senior dressing-room until recent weeks.
GettyKobbie Mainoo is now part of Man Utd’s senior set-up on and off the pitch[/caption]
The midfielder, 18, has been labelled as a “superhero” and potential star of Euro 2024 after gaining a regular first-team spot.
Such praise soared after his stirring efforts, albeit in vain, during Sunday’s 3-1 loss at neighbours Manchester City.
But The Mail say Mainoo has still showered and changed with the Under-21s for most of the season.
And in fact his promotion is thought to have been helped by 13 players departing Trafford in January.
Winger Jadon Sancho – now on loan back at Borussia Dortmund – had been training alone at Carrington since September following his feud with Red Devils’ manager Erik ten Hag.
But the exit of other senior squad-mates, notably Donny van de Beek and Facundo Pellistri, opened up a dressing-room vacancy taken by Mainoo.
Argentina wideman Alejandro Garnacho, 19, has had those senior privileges for several months.
Now Mainoo has joined him, having underlined his value to Ten Hag with his all-round brilliance at the Etihad over the weekend.
Reaction from United fans included: “It will be a crime if Kobbie Mainoo doesn’t make it to Euros” and “and “I know a superhero when I see one”.
Other viewers chimed in with equal enthusiasm, one saying: “Gives absolutely everything for the badge. I LOVE THIS BOY!!!”
The England under-19 ace could even be called up by Gareth Southgate for the Three Lions’ Wembley friendlies with Brazil on March 23 and Belgium three days later.
Everton‘s ex-United midfielder James Garner, 22, and 29-year-old Fulham anchorman Harrison Reed are other uncapped men said to be in contention.
