Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo has been named on the Reds' bench for the Premier League clash against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.
Mainoo played for Cheadle & Gatley Junior Football Club before joining United's academy and the youngster has made stellar progress since his arrival, establishing himself as one of the club's most exciting young talents.
The 17-year-old won the FA Youth Cup last season and he's since been promoted to United's Under-21 side. Mainoo, who was born in Stockport, has been a part of the United youth set-up since the age of nine and signed his first professional contract with the club in May 2022.
Taking to social media to confirm the news, he wrote: "Happy to sign my first professional contract with @manchesterunited great way to end a successful season." And he's already been earning rave reviews for his performances in a United shirt.
Following a pre-season friendly 2-1 defeat to non-league side Altrincham this summer, commentator Jonny Crowther explained on Twitter that he was "different class". He explained the youngster has a "real chance" as he listed his main attributes as being "big, strong, quick, great touch, good shot, works hard".
After training with Erik ten Hag's first-team squad on occasions this season, Mainoo was also named on the bench against Real Sociedad in the Europa League earlier in the campaign.
Ahead of the Newcastle clash, Ten Hag was asked about his decision to include youngsters like Mainoo on the bench, and he made it clear they hadn't been included just to make up the numbers. "It's not about experience, they have to deliver," he said. "You are here to contribute to the team, to the team's success. That's why he's here."
Name: Kobbie Mainoo
Date of birth: April 19, 2005
Position: Central midfield
Nationality: English
Career history: Mainoo has developed into a creative midfielder after progressing through various age levels of United's youth ranks.
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