Kobbie Mainoo reveals Man United nickname and two favourite teammates

Kobbie Mainoo made his England debut on Saturday evening against Brazil following his great form for Manchester United in the Premier League.

The United teenager was deservedly called up by Gareth Southgate earlier this week and made an impact in training at St George’s Park before the Wembley clash.

Despite Brazil winning the encounter 1-0, Mainoo’s cameo was a proud moment for the United fanbase and for the player himself. He offered a mature performance with a 100 per cent pass completion rate in his 18 minutes on the field.

Read More: Declan Rice sends 6-word message to Kobbie Mainoo after ‘special’ England debut

Before the fixture, Mainoo took part in several interviews after his call-up and fans got another look at how he conducts himself in those moments. They also got to hear the teenager talk about his Love Island nickname back at Carrington.

Mainoo’s older brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, previously starred on the reality show Love Island in 2019 and is now a model. He was present at Wembley on Saturday night to watch Kobbie make his England debut.

It is a fact that not many people knew about the United starlet, but he reveals that it had an impact at Carrington with the club’s kitman.

“Yeah, my brother was on it; I’m close with him,” said Mainoo when the subject of his brother Jordan going on the ITV reality show came up in an interview with England.

“Going back to another question about nicknames, the kitman at United always calls me Love Island, that’s what I get, swear down… since I was like 16, I’ve been Love Island. Them man are just jokers.”

In a separate interview with talkSPORT, Mainoo highlighted the impact of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in his development over the last year.

“I’d say Bruno [Fernandes] or Casemiro [have helped the most],” he said. “Playing in midfield with them has helped me so much and they have a lot of experience. 

“They’re great players who have had great careers so picking up things from them is the best. 

“There’s so much, they’re always trying to help and put an arm around me in any way they can.”