The 19-year-old Manchester United holding midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has been named among the 2023–24 Premier League youngest player of the season nominees amongst Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Alexander Isac, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Wiliam Saliba, and Destiny Udogie.
The young, talented England international has been quite impressive since his debut for the Erik Ten Hag senior squad, starting almost all games for Manchester United this season.
He made his first-team debut in an EFL Cup match in January 2023. Mainoo also played for England at under-17, under-18, and under-19 levels before making his debut for England’s international team.
In March 2024, Mainoo was called up to the senior squad for the first time for England’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, after previously being drafted for the under-21s. He made his debut aged 18 on March 23, 2024, as a 75th-minute substitute for Connor Gallagher in a 1–0 defeat to Brazil at Wembley Stadium.
Gareth Southgate hailed him after their friendly games. Mainoo became the third youngest United player to start an England game at the age of 18 years and 342 days, behind Duncan Edwards (18 years and 183 days) and Marcus Rashford (18 years and 209 days).
“Everything that we’ve seen with his club, he reproduced in an England shirt, which isn’t always the case,” Southgate said on Tuesday after the 2-2 draw with Belgium at Wembley.
“He was very calm, receives the ball so well under pressure, and is strong, so we are a little bit more open playing that way, but the benefits with the ball are clear to see.”The England coach further added.
Kobbie Mainoo has undoubtedly been the most reliable midfielder in Erik Ten Hag’s first-team squad and has happened to earn first-team priority due to his great performances against bigger teams. He is a player of class at his age, and many rivals have been heard whispering of him being one of the greatest England midfielders in the future.
Mainoo has recorded 3 goals and 1 assist so far this season in all competitions for Manchester United under Erik Ten Hag, playing alongside Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Scott MC Tominay, Mason Mount, Sofyan Amrabat, and Christian Eriksen in midfield roles. He scored against Liverpool, Newport, and a winner goal against Wolves.
