Wikipedia

Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Boateng Mainoo(born 19 April 2005) is an English professionalfootballerwho plays as amidfielderforPremier LeagueclubManchester Unitedand theEngland national team.Known for his dribbling, composure, and technical ability, he is widely regarded as one of the best young players in the world.[3][4][5]

Kobbie Mainoo
Personal information
Full name Kobbie Boateng Mainoo
Date of birth (2005-04-19)19 April 2005(age 19)
Place of birth Stockport,Greater Manchester, England
Height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)[1]
Position(s) Midfielder[2]
Team information
Current team
 Manchester United
Number 37
Youth career
Cheadle & Gatley
0000–2022 Manchester United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2022– Manchester United 32 (3)
International career‡
2021–2022 England U17 5 (1)
2022 England U18 2 (0)
2023 England U19 6 (0)
2024– England 10 (0)
Medal record
Men'sfootball
RepresentingEngland
UEFA European Championship
Runner-up 2024 Team
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 18:05, 6 October 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 22:05, 7 September 2024 (UTC)

Mainoo is a graduate ofManchester United's youth systemand won theJimmy Murphy Young Player of the Yearaward in 2023. He made his first-team debut in anEFL Cupmatch in January 2023. Mainoo played for England fromunder-17youth level, before making his debut for the senior team in March 2024.

Early life

edit

Kobbie Boateng Mainoo[6]was born on 19 April 2005[1]inStockport,Greater Manchester,[7]to parents from Ghana.[8]His older brother is Jordan Mainoo-Hames, who appeared as a contestant on thefifth seriesofLove Island.[9]He was raised inCheadle Hulme,a suburb of Stockport,[10]and started his youth career at Cheadle & Gatley Junior Football Club.[11]He was scouted forManchester Unitedat the age of six,[12]signed up at the age of seven,[13]and joined the academy at the age of nine.[11]

Club career

edit

Manchester United

edit

2022–2023

edit

Mainoo signed his first professional contract with Manchester United in May 2022.[14]His performances earned him a call-up to the first-team squad for training in October.[15]

Mainoo was named on the bench for the first time on 16 October 2022, for aPremier Leaguematch againstNewcastle United,[16]followed by making his senior debut on 10 January 2023, starting in a 3–0 home win overCharlton Athleticin theEFL Cup.[17]He made his league debut on 19 February by coming on as a substitute in a 3–0 home win againstLeicester Cityin thePremier League.[18]

2023–2024

edit

Mainoo travelled with the Manchester United squad on their2023–24 pre-season tourin the United States.[19]However, he picked up an injury which kept him out for the start of the upcoming season.[20]Returning from injury, Mainoo made his first league start for Manchester United on 26 November 2023, in a 3–0Premier Leaguevictory away toEverton,in which he was namedman of the match.[21]On 29 November, he made hisUEFA Champions Leaguedebut, coming off the bench in agroup stage3–3 away draw againstGalatasaray.[22]

On 28 January 2024, Mainoo scored his first goal for Manchester United in a 4–2 win away toNewport Countyin theFA Cupfourth round.[23]A few days later, on 1 February, he scored his first Premier League goal in a 4–3 away victory overWolverhampton Wanderers,with the winning goal coming in the seventh minute ofstoppage time.[24]The goal was later awardedPremier League Goal of the Monthfor February 2024.[25]On 7 April, he netted his first professional goal atOld Traffordin a 2–2 draw withrivalsLiverpoolin the Premier League.[26]

In theFA Cup final,Mainoo scored the eventual winning goal in a 2–1 victory overlocal rivalsManchester City.[27]He became the first English teenager to score in a final sinceSteve MacKenziein1981and the youngest sinceJohn Sissonsin1964.[28]His performances for the season were widely praised, with him being nominated for thePremier League Young Player of the Seasonaward.[29]

International career

edit

Mainoo has represented England atunder-17,under-18,andunder-19youth levels, and at thesenior level.[30]

In March 2024, Mainoo was called up to the senior squad for the first time for England'sfriendliesagainstBrazilandBelgium,after previously being drafted for the under-21s.[31]Aged 18, he made his debut on 23 March as a substitute forConor Gallagherin a 1–0 defeat to Brazil atWembley Stadium.[32]He made his first England start in a 2–2 draw against Belgium, in which he was named man of the match.[33]

On 6 June, Mainoo was named in England's 26-man squad forUEFA Euro 2024.[34]He made his competitive debut in the team's opening match, playing the last four minutes as a substitute forJude Bellinghamin a 1–0 win overSerbia.[35]On 25 June, he played the second half againstSloveniain a 0–0 draw in the team's finalgroup stage match,replacing Conor Gallagher at half time.[36]In theround of 16 matchagainstSlovakia,he became the third-youngest player to start for England at a knockout stage of a major tournament in a 2–1 win.[37]On 10 July, in a 2–1 win in thesemi-finalsagainstNetherlands,he became the youngest England player to play a semi-final of a major tournament.[38]Four days later, he started in thefinal,which ended in a 2–1 defeat toSpain.[39]

Style of play

edit

Mainoo is primarily acentral midfielderwho is also capable of playing as adefensive midfielderandattacking midfielder.[2]An intelligent and composed player, he excels in driving the ball forward, using hisdribblingskills to navigate through tight spaces and evade defenders.[40][41][42]Former Manchester United defenderRio Ferdinandhas compared his style of play to that ofClarence Seedorf.[43]ManagerErik ten Haghas praised his ability to "quickly adapt to high levels", as well as his willingness to progress and develop as a player.[44][45]Pundit and former United midfielderPaul Scholespraised him, saying that "Just love the way he receives the ball, the calmness, the awareness of what's around him, and of course big goals in big games."[27]

Career statistics

edit

Club

edit
As of match played 6 October 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup EFL Cup Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Manchester United U21 2022–23[46] — — — — 3[a] 0 3 0
2023–24[47] — — — — 1[a] 0 1 0
Total — — — — 4 0 4 0
Manchester United 2022–23[46] Premier League 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 — 3 0
2023–24[47] Premier League 24 3 6 2 0 0 2[b] 0 — 32 5
2024–25[48] Premier League 7 0 0 0 0 0 1[c] 0 1[d] 0 9 0
Total 32 3 7 2 1 0 3 0 1 0 44 5
Career total 32 3 7 2 1 0 3 0 5 0 48 5
  1. ^abAppearance(s) inEFL Trophy
  2. ^Appearances inUEFA Champions League
  3. ^Appearance inUEFA Europa League
  4. ^Appearance inFA Community Shield

International

edit
As of match played 7 September 2024[30]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
England 2024 10 0
Total 10 0

Honours

edit

Manchester United U18

Manchester United

England

Individual

References

edit
  1. ^ab"Kobbie Mainoo: Overview".Premier League.Retrieved9 September2024.
  2. ^abUnwin, Will (1 December 2023)."Local hero: Kobbie Mainoo bringing cheer at troubled Manchester United".The Guardian.London.Retrieved2 February2024.
  3. ^"The best young footballers in the world - ranked".
  4. ^"20 Best Young Players in the Premier League [Ranked]".
  5. ^Ferdinand, Rio."Why Mainoo has 'wow factor' - and could be one of the greats".
  6. ^"2022/23 Premier League squads confirmed".Premier League. 16 September 2022.Retrieved26 December2022.
  7. ^"K. Mainoo: Summary".Soccerway.Perform Group.Retrieved23 March2024.
  8. ^Blanche, Phil (19 March 2024)."Stockport star shining for Man Utd – England's latest call-up Kobbie Mainoo".The Independent.London.Retrieved23 March2024.
  9. ^Kenmare, Jack (9 December 2023)."Fans are only just discovering who Kobbie Mainoo's older brother is".SPORTBible.Retrieved19 December2023.
  10. ^Whitwell, Laurie (1 March 2024)."The making of Kobbie Mainoo: 'United and City were chasing him when he was six'".The Athletic.Retrieved23 March2024.
  11. ^abFay, Richard (7 December 2022)."Manchester United might be about to unleash their own future midfield star vs Cadiz".Manchester Evening News.Retrieved10 January2023.
  12. ^Bartram, Steve (27 March 2024)."Must read: The rise and rise of Kobbie Mainoo".Manchester United F.C.Retrieved12 July2024.
  13. ^Whitwell, Laurie (1 March 2024)."The making of Kobbie Mainoo, United's 'special' teenage talent".The Athletic.ISSN0362-4331.Retrieved12 July2024.
  14. ^Fay, Richard (17 May 2022)."Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo signs first professional deal".Manchester Evening News.Retrieved16 October2022.
  15. ^"Kobbie Mainoo | Player profile | Man Utd".Manchester United F.C.Retrieved14 July2024.
  16. ^Railston, Steven (16 October 2022)."Who is Kobbie Mainoo? Meet the Manchester United youngster named on the bench vs Newcastle".Manchester Evening News.Retrieved16 October2022.
  17. ^Stone, Simon (10 January 2023)."Manchester United 3–0 Charlton Athletic".BBC Sport.Retrieved10 January2023.
  18. ^Kerr, Joshua (19 February 2023)."Manchester United 3 Leicester City 0".Manchester United F.C.Retrieved20 February2023.
  19. ^Luckhurst, Samuel (19 July 2023)."Manchester United confirm pre-season tour squad".Manchester Evening News.Retrieved19 July2023.
  20. ^Mamaniyat, Abdullah (18 August 2023)."Erik Ten Hag provides Kobbie Mainoo injury timescale".Red Devil Armada.Retrieved20 September2023.
  21. ^"Kobbie Mainoo: Man Utd youngster's full Premier League debut against Everton praised by Gary Neville and Roy Keane".Sky Sports.27 November 2023.Retrieved27 November2023.
  22. ^Glendenning, Barry (29 November 2023)."Galatasaray 3–3 Manchester United: Champions League – as it happened".The Guardian.London.Retrieved29 November2023.
  23. ^McNulty, Phil (28 January 2024)."FA Cup: Newport County 2–4 Manchester United avoid upset at Rodney Parade".BBC Sport.Retrieved28 January2024.
  24. ^Smith, Emma (1 February 2024)."Wolverhampton Wanderers 3–4 Manchester United: Kobbie Mainoo scores 97th-minute winner in thriller".BBC Sport.Retrieved1 February2024.
  25. ^ab"Mainoo's late stunner wins Budweiser Goal of the Month award".Premier League. 8 March 2024.Retrieved8 March2024.
  26. ^McNulty, Phil (8 April 2024)."Manchester United 2–2 Liverpool: Mohamed Salah scores late penalty to snatch point for Reds".BBC Sport.Retrieved8 April2024.
  27. ^abcYew, Oliver (26 May 2024)."Man City 1–2 Man Utd: Erik ten Hag's side end season on high with stunning FA Cup final win at Wembley".Sky Sports.Retrieved26 May2024.
  28. ^Opta Analyst (25 May 2024)."Manchester City 1–2 Manchester United Stats: Teenage Dreams for United As They Win FA Cup Final".theanalyst.Retrieved26 May2024.
  29. ^Carney, Sam (9 May 2024)."Mainoo nominated for Young Player of the Season".Manchester United F.C.Retrieved7 June2024.
  30. ^ab"Kobbie Mainoo: Internationals".worldfootball.net.HEIM:SPIEL.Retrieved8 September2024.
  31. ^"Kobbie Mainoo: Man Utd midfielder handed first England call-up after being drafted in from Under-21s".Sky Sports.19 March 2024.Retrieved19 March2024.
  32. ^McNulty, Phil (23 March 2024)."England 0–1 Brazil: Teenager Endrick scores late winner at Wembley".BBC Sport.Retrieved23 March2024.
  33. ^McNulty, Phil (26 March 2024)."England 2–2 Belgium: Late Jude Bellingham goal saves hosts from second successive Wembley defeat".BBC Sport.Retrieved26 March2024.
  34. ^"Eze & Wharton named in England squad for Euro 2024".BBC Sport.6 June 2024.Retrieved6 June2024.
  35. ^"Serbia 0–1 England LIVE: UEFA Euro 2024 – score, updates & reaction".BBC Sport.Retrieved17 June2024.
  36. ^"England vs Slovenia | Line-ups | UEFA EURO 2024".UEFA.Retrieved25 June2024.
  37. ^Bostock, Adam (30 June 2024)."Kobbie Mainoo makes first tournament start as England beat Slovakia in Euro 2024 last-16 tie".Manchester United F.C.Retrieved1 July2024.
  38. ^Segar, David (11 July 2024)."Netherlands 1–2 England Stats: Super Sub Watkins Fires Three Lions Into Euro 2024 Final".theanalyst.Retrieved14 July2024.
  39. ^abMcNulty, Phil (14 July 2024)."Spain 2–1 England: Heartbreak for England in Euro 2024 Final".BBC Sport.Archivedfrom the original on 15 July 2024.Retrieved15 July2024.
  40. ^Clarke, Adrian (22 February 2024)."How Mainoo has brought control to Man Utd's midfield".Premier League.Retrieved29 May2024.
  41. ^Bate, Adam (19 March 2024)."Kobbie Mainoo's Manchester United magic explained: How does the teenager find time and space that others cannot?".Sky Sports.Retrieved29 May2024.
  42. ^Manship, Jack (19 March 2024)."England 2024: Overlooked players - data analysis".totalfootballanalysis.Retrieved29 May2024.
  43. ^Smith, Emma; Stone, Simon (2 February 2024)."Wolves 3–4 Man Utd: Kobbie Mainoo continues rise to stardom with 'dream' winning goal".BBC Sport.Retrieved2 February2024.
  44. ^Peach, Simon (29 March 2024)."Erik ten Hag expects Kobbie Mainoo to handle the hype after star England debut".The Independent.Retrieved30 March2024.
  45. ^Hemingway, Rob (2 February 2024)."Erik ten Hag exclusive: Manchester United Boss opens up on Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho 'incredible progress'".Eurosport.Retrieved2 February2024.
  46. ^ab"Games played by Kobbie Mainoo in 2022/2023".Soccerbase.Centurycomm.Retrieved23 March2024.
  47. ^ab"Games played by Kobbie Mainoo in 2023/2024".Soccerbase.Centurycomm.Retrieved25 May2024.
  48. ^"Games played by Kobbie Mainoo in 2024/2025".Soccerbase.Centurycomm.Retrieved7 October2024.
  49. ^"Man Utd 3–1 Nottingham Forest: Homeside clinch FA Youth Cup in front of record crowd at Old Trafford".Sky Sports.11 May 2022.Retrieved17 July2022.
  50. ^Ganley, Joe (25 May 2023)."Kobbie Mainoo named Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year 2022 23".Manchester United F.C.Retrieved25 May2023.
  51. ^"Kopa Trophy 2024 Final Rankings".
edit
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kobbie_Mainoo&oldid=1258180177"