Assessing Kobbie Mainoo: Is he the next Manchester United star?

For decades, Manchester United have produced some legendary players from their academy.

From the days of the Busby Babes to the Class of ’92 and all the way to the present, players both still at the club and away from it are making impressive careers for themselves.

This season for United, academy product Marcus Rashford has been in the form of his life under new manager Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman has made a brilliant start to his tenure in Manchester, having won a trophy already, triumphing in the Carabao Cup in February.

Ten Hag himself has also given some opportunities to young talents from United’s academy. Alejandro Garnacho has had a breakthrough season, and another exciting player who has been given an opportunity at just 17 years old is Stockport-born Kobbie Mainoo.

Here is a look at Mainoo’s profile and career so far in more depth.

Kobbie Mainoo’s Profile

Firstly, it is important to understand what type of player Mainoo is, and what some of his strengths are.

Predominately, Mainoo has played in a double pivot, as either a number six or number eight, for the majority of his time in the Manchester United academy. This season, for both club and England’s youth sides, he has also been pushed further up the pitch and has operated as a number ten. This shows exceptional versatility and potential to play anywhere in the midfield, at such a young age.

One of the most prominent features of Mainoo’s profile is his ball-carrying skills. The 17-year-old excels at receiving the ball in midfield and evading the opposition press to progress his side forward. Press resistance is a big strength of Mainoo’s overall game, and he has excellent close control, which helps him easily get away from opposition players pressuring him in midfield.

Despite being just 17, Mainoo is already very well-developed physically, meaning he can easily shrug off challenges. This is another attribute that helps him evade an opposition press and spring an attack.

Mainoo’s progressive passing is also a huge asset to his team. He regularly plays line-breaking passes which can split opposition defences in half. His vision and creativity are very much an underrated aspect of his game, and he is often impactful in the final third.

The youngster is an energetic player who always wants the ball and is always looking to progress play and make something happen. With that being said, Mainoo is an intelligent player, and will often make the right decision for the situation.

The England youth international is also very adept defensively. His physicality helps this, and he has an excellent ability to win duels, both aerially and on the ground, and tackles. He also reads the game well and his good anticipation helps him when looking to put in a tackle or make an interception. He also excels at breaking up play before quickly starting an attack for his team.

Standout Moments

Mainoo has made three appearances for Manchester United’s first team so far. Erik ten Hag gave him his debut in January when he started against Charlton in the Carabao Cup. Mainoo then featured off the bench in the FA Cup against Reading, before making his Premier League bow as a substitute against Leicester City. All three of his appearances have been at Old Trafford.

The youngster has impressed so far in his short involvement with United’s first team. Against Reading, Mainoo attempted 25 passes and completed every single one. He was only on the pitch for 17 minutes.

Even in the first team, Mainoo oozed confidence. Whilst some may find playing at Old Trafford at 17 a daunting experience, Mainoo did not seem fazed.

He has played in front of a bumper Old Trafford crowd before. The English midfielder was pivotal in United’s under-18 side winning the FA Youth Cup last season. Mainoo played a starring role alongside Garnacho and some other bright Carrington prospects.

Playing in a midfield pivot under United youth team coach Travis Binnon, Mainoo was one of the key contributors to the Red Devil’s memorable cup run. He featured in all six games, completing 90 minutes in all but one of them. The England youth also international scored two goals and registered one assist during the cup run.

The next Manchester United star?

There is little doubt that Mainoo possesses the talent, mentality, and work ethic to reach the very top. There is a reason why he has already made three first-team appearances for Manchester United.

With United still fighting on all fronts this season, there could well be more opportunities ahead for Mainoo this season. Regardless, the Red Devils undoubtedly have an exceptional academy talent on their hands once again.