Young Manchester United forwards Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho have deservedly grabbed all the headlines after 4-3 win over Liverpool in FA Cup Quarter Finals.
But, behind this pair, in the midfield lies another youngster who kept United in the hunt with not only with his attacking prowess but also with his defensive stability.
Kobbie Mainoo has emerged has one of the best midfielders emerging from the academy and also living upto to the expectations that each and every Manchester United fan has.
Against Liverpool in FA Cup, he was able to outclass and take control of the midfield against the likes of Dominic Szoboszlai and the World Cup winner for Argentina Alexis Mac Allister.
The way he was able to tackle against the likes of Salah and Nunez was amazing and he was key in breaking Liverpool’s attacking mindset. The way he retained possession and went passed against the opposition and escaping their aggressive pressing with ease was so beautiful to the naked eye.
It seems this has not only impressed the fans and and the management of the Red Devils but also the England Manager Gareth Southgate.
Before the tie against Liverpool he was handed a call up U-21 England Team but after looking at his maturity and his talent, Southgate has called up the youngster for the Senior England Team.
He has been added to the squad that will face Brazil and Belgium at Wembley this month.
Before adding Mainoo who has been capped by England at under-17, under-18, and under-19 level, is too inexperienced for such a big move to senior team said Southgate.
He said, “I think that he is doing brilliantly for a young player and we are never slow to put a young player into seniors. But he is only had a handful of games and you have to be very careful development-wise in making those decisions at the right time.”
He continued, “So we think ideally, we should allow him that space to develop at his own speed.”
Kobbie Mainoo has been the first name in the Manchester United’s XI after breaking through this season. He was appreciated not only by his manager Erik ten Hag but also his midfielder partner and one of the most decorated player Casemiro who had amazing words to say about him.
