Introducing Kobbie Mainoo, 18: The Rising Star Whose ‘Unbelievable’ Debut Impressed Man Utd Legend Roy Keane, Discovered at the Tender Age of Nine

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Kobie Maynoo had an absolutely sensational first game in the Premier League for Manchester United.

After the 18-year-old made his debut against Everton, Gary Neville gushed over him, saying Pep Guardiola would be lucky to have him on his team.

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

Very difficult to persuade After the game, Roy Keane gave a glowing post-analysis on the adolescent sensation for Sky Sports.

“I don’t want to get too excited, but I’m sure we will,” Keane replied, his voice filled with amazement.

When he had the ball in his hands, he appeared to have perfect timing and decision-making skills, knowing exactly when to go long or short. What a complete game, even when not playing with the ball.

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

I have no doubt that he has the respect of the club. They’ll be hoping that the manager has faith in him enough to start him in today’s match against Everton.

“Hey, I hope the kid does well. He was exceptional. He’s off to a fantastic start. He showed today that he may be an asset to Manchester United, so here’s hoping he avoids injuries and gets more playing time. Charming and courageous; I thoroughly enjoyed observing him.

His preseason ankle injury almost derailed his progress this season, but he is back on track following a sensational display in the intense Goodison Park match.

One of Mainoo's many highlights included a decisive clearance off the line

His defensive acumen was on display with a successful clearance off the line.

In January, Mainoo won the EFL Cup with a game-winning performance against Charlton.

Soon after, he came off the bench to help Reading to a 3-1 FA Cup victory, and then he made a second late-game appearance, this time in a league victory over Leicester City.

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There is, however, mounting speculation behind the scenes at Carrington that the gifted youngster may prove to be the club’s midfield rock for the foreseeable future.

In May of 2022, the young player from Stockport, who was an integral part of last year’s FA Youth Cup-winning squad, received his first professional contract.

The Red Devils’ Under-21 and Under-18 teams have seen him continue to improve, and Erik ten Hag is eager to get him into the first team more often.

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Joined the team nine years ago

Cheadle & Gatley junior football team was Mainoo’s first stop in the sport.

United first saw him when he was nine years old, and he rose through the youth system to become one of the club’s most promising young players.

Mainoo celebrates wining the FA Youth Cup with Man Utd's U18's

United supporters saw the playmaker in action in the summer of 2022 in a match against Altrincham.

Hailed as someone of “different class” by BBC Manchester analyst Jonny Crowther.

Last year, he won the EFL Trophy with a spectacular performance against Carlisle that had the crowd going wild.

On United's preseason tour of the US in the summer Mainoo starred

A lot of people took notice of his vision, anticipation, and tackling skills.

“I could spend all day watching compilations by 17-year-old Kobbie Mainoo,” one admirer remarked. Somebody wrote, “Man Utd have a player on their hands,” and someone else wrote, “Investing in Kobbie Mainoo stocks now.”

Manager Erik ten Hag has included Mainoo in Utd's first team training sessions

I saw yesterday’s match between Kobbie Mainoo and Carlisle United,” a third person stated. Ten Hag must include him in the starting lineup. This is serious business.

“That guy is sick. He doesn’t need Frenkie De Jong; all he needs is physical strength. No problem at all for him.

However, an ankle injury in preseason curtailed Mainoo and Utd's plans

After listening, Ten Hag

Ten Hag, who is renowned for giving young players a shot at Ajax, has taken a closer look at Mainoo as a result of all the buzz around him.

He has become an integral part of the first team’s training routine.

Last season’s 0-0 tie with Newcastle was the first game in which the teenager was nominated to a matchday squad.

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

Plus, Ten Hag clarified that Mainoo, who has earned caps for England’s Under-18 squad, wasn’t included merely for statistical purposes.

“They [young players] have to deliver,” the Dutch manager stated on the club’s official website, referring to the lack of experience among the players.

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

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

The midfield spot that United has been missing since Paul Pogba’s departure might be filled by Mainoo, what with Casemiro rumored to be leaving and United’s failure to get Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona.

Even better, many thought the Frenchman would become a club icon, and that’s just the beginning.

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