Manchester United matched up against League One side Charlton Athletic at Old Trafford in the League Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday, and that was the perfect opportunity for boss Erik ten Hag to hand a promising young midfielder his Red Devils debut.
17-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, considered one of the biggest young English prospects at his age, started in the United midfield against Charlton, his first appearance for the senior side.
The Sporting News brings you all the information available regarding the exciting young midfielder who appears set for much more time on the Old Trafford pitch in the future.
MORE: Read about the Man United EFL Cup match against Charlton Athletic including Mainoo’s performance
When did Man United sign Kobbie Mainoo?
The 17-year-old joined Manchester United as a youth player, progressing through the club’s academy before making his debut for the club’s U-18 side in 2021 at just 15. He was in the U-23s at 16.
Born in 2005 in Stockport, the England youth international signed his first professional contract with Manchester United in May 2022 and has trained with the first team regularly this season, making the bench as an unused substitute on a few occasions, including twice in the Premier League against Newcastle and Wolves.
He made his debut for the club when he was selected to start the EFL Cup quarterfinal match against Charlton Athletic on January 10, 2023.
Kobbie Mainoo position & style of play
Mainoo is a box-to-box central midfielder who scouts speak highly of thanks to his athleticism, vision, and technicality. He can operate as a No. 6 or a No. 8 in the middle of the pitch.
His versatility with a varied skill set has seen him likened to Paul Pogba, using the dribble to beat players in the middle before he picks out passes to teammates to advance the ball and create attacking moves.
“For him, it’s a great opportunity, he did very well during the winter camp in Spain,” said Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to MUTV ahead of the EFL Cup match against Charlton. “He also did very well against Everton in a friendly. He deserved to play, so I’m happy to give him the opportunity – it’s about deserving it.”
Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst said back in May that Mainoo was “the best prospect of the Class of ‘22.” He then wrote in December that “United regard Mainoo as a natural talent with immense technical prowess.”
Speaking to The Athletic, Manchester United youth coach Travis Binnion said of Mainoo, “His strengths are close control, good awareness, body contact. He’s really good in both boxes, he’s combative. He’s got a nice blend of many skills. He’s been training with the first team and doing well.”
Where is Kobbie Mainoo from?
Kobbie Mainoo was born in Stockport, England and has represented England at the youth international level on numerous occasions.
The youngster made his debut for the England U-17 side in October 2021, scoring a goal in five appearances. He played for the England U-18 side in a pair of friendlies against the Netherlands and Belgium in September 2022.
However, Mainoo is eligible to represent Ghana if he were to complete a one-time switch.
Kobbie Mainoo Man United debut vs Charlton Athletic
The youngster made his Manchester United first-team debut against Charlton Athletic in the EFL Cup quarterfinals on January 10, 2023.
He played 60 minutes before being replaced by Casemiro, with United leading 1-0 at the time of his withdrawal. The Red Devils would go on to win 3-0 and advance to the semifinals.
Mainoo played well, given significant freedom in the middle of the pitch and contributing both offensively and defensively. He touched the ball 35 times, losing possession seven times and completing 23 of 27 attempted passes. The youngster completed one dribble early in the match and picked up one key pass as well.
