Manchester United’s head of academy’s full reaction to Kobbie Mainoo’s Premier League debut

Manchester United’s head of academy Nick Cox has been delighted with the progress of youth star Kobbie Mainoo.

The 17-year-old midfielder came off the bench against Leicester City on Sunday to make his Premier League debut.

He made his first appearance for the first-team at the start of January against Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup before he played in United’s 3-1 win against Reading in the FA Cup.

Mainoo is now consistently finding himself in Erik ten Hag’s match-day squads. But that is not by coincidence.

“[We are] always delighted when a young boy makes a debut, particularly when they start a game,” Cox told club media. “It’s very different coming off the bench than starting a game, so he’s had to earn that [against Charlton].

“The manager [Ten Hag] doesn’t do favours. You play in the team if you’re good enough. 

“You don’t get special treatment because you’re a young lad who’s come through the system, you’ve got to earn it. He’s done that and that’s great.”

There are several talented young players within United’s ranks. Alejandro Garnacho is another who’s had a successful campaign under the Dutch manager so far this season.

Mainoo has been regarded as one with excellent potential and ability. He was fast tracked to playing under-23s football at 16 and joined training with the first-team shortly after.

Cox believes that, despite there being a long process for the midfielder to properly shine in the first-team, there’s no better place for his development to take place.

“There’s a long way to go,” he added. “I’m obviously really proud of him, really pleased for him, and for his family.

“He’s been with us since a very young age. A lot of people have had a lot of hard work and effort to support him and navigate him on a journey, and now he falls under the care of the manager and his team.

“He’s going to be well looked after because they’re very passionate about young players and making sure that their team consists of young players – particularly homegrown ones.

“[Ten Hag is] teaching him exactly how he wants him to play, should he become a regular member of the first team and play on a regular basis at some point in the future. 

“You want to see players stay in the building, work with the Academy, work with the first team, and find their way into the first team under our care. That is the ideal journey.”

Mainoo played 90 minutes for the under-21s on Monday afternoon in a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace.