For Kobbie Mainoo, the season will end in the emotional boiling pot of tournament football after it started with a sharp decline from bliss to anguish. For the teenager from Stockport, this has been an incredible breakout campaign, regardless of what happens next.
It was in Houston’s massive NRG Stadium in July of last year that Mainoo’s importance to Manchester United initially became clear. There was a significant talent there, as many who had witnessed him lead the club to FA Youth Cup triumph and shine through the academy ranks understood.
Those who had been listening more closely also understood that Erik ten Hag was a huge admirer. After the Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle, the Dutchman had approached the adolescent in his club suit on the Wembley pitch and assured him that moments such as this will soon belong to him.
Ten Hag himself could not have imagined it would happen so soon. Within fifteen months, Mainoo was winning an FA Cup final and surpassing his more affluent Stockport alumnus Phil Foden. They might now play side by side on an international pitch while wearing the England flag.
Mainoo was expected to play a bigger part this season after logging 87 minutes in three games during the 2022–2023 season. Ten Hag was impressed by his pre-season training efforts, but it was evident last summer when he was named in a strong lineup to play Real Madrid how much of an asset he really is.
Ten Hag selected what appeared to be his strongest team for the first friendly of the summer. He started Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane in defence, with Andre Onana in goal. Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Mason Mount all got off to starts. However, Mainoo also did so, forcing Fernandes to move to the right due to his presence in midfield.
Sadly, Mainoo’s night was cut short because he hurt his ankle in a struggle with Rodrygo, taking only a few minutes to end. Both the player and United suffered a setback as a result of it. This was a declaration that he was being considered for a spot in the first squad, rather than a pre-season reward for the then-promising eighteen-year-old.
Upon his return, it was evident. He was not eased, but thrust back in. He started the 3-0 victory over Everton in his first competitive game of the season. He made his third start of the season in the goalless draw at Anfield on December 17, and he has only been benched once since, during Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 FA Cup fifth-round victory.
The speed at which Mainoo has established himself as an indispensable member of the United midfield is astounding. His deft footwork to create space, ease receiving the ball in tight situations, and keen eye for goal are demonstrated by his impressive finishes against Wolves, Liverpool, and Manchester City.
But he also has great defensive strength. At Wembley, he performed well against Erling Haaland from set pieces, stifling the Norwegian striker with more of his body than height. That could be the differentiator that helps him break into the England midfield come tournament time.
Ten Hag should be credited with the invention of Mainoo. The fact that Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong haven’t yet had the careers anticipated of them since leaving Amsterdam may be interpreted as a sign that the Dutchman was instrumental in developing some extremely talented players at Ajax.
Speaking in February, Mainoo described how Ten Hag had supported him ever since he was hired by United and spotted the midfielder’s potential in the academy.
“He just wanted me to be more dominant and just demand the ball all the time,” said Mainoo. “And when I first came up with the first team, he told me he was going to push me and he did. He just always demanded more from me and just being involved in every play and just always getting on the ball.
“He’s been so helpful. And then always guiding me, as well as the senior players, and pushed me to help me keep developing and keep getting better and better. So all credit to him.”
He deserves a great deal of credit. Ten Hag assured Mainoo that his day would come and trophies would follow when he came across him in the midst of the Carabao Cup celebrations. That forecast has actually materialised.
With only 35 senior appearances for United, Mainoo’s incredible journey to an England tournament team is a big feather in Ten Hag’s cap and, given what lies ahead for the 19-year-old, maybe the manager’s greatest Old Trafford success story. Ten Hag is currently sweating over Ineos’ decision on his future.
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