‘As a teenager, he was a centre ahead’
Getting into the Manchester United academy, a well-known manufacturing facility of expertise that produced the Busby Babes and the Class of ’92, is not any imply feat.
However of the 1000’s of children that spend time at a membership of United’s dimension, solely a handful will possess the expertise, drive and fortune to make it as skilled footballers. Even fewer nonetheless will progress to the United first staff.
That alone speaks to Mainoo’s technical and psychological qualities – all of which have been obvious to Nick Cox, United’s academy director.
“All of our boys are high-potential however you definitely might see that Kobbie had some attributes that meant we wished to proceed working with him,” he tells Sky Sports activities.
“As time unfolded, it grew to become clear he doubtlessly had the flexibility to go on and play for our first staff.
“On the pitch – whilst a little bit ‘un – he was then what he’s now. He is mastered the ball – he manipulates it brilliantly.
“You could possibly inform he had athletic potential and now you see a robust, explosive participant.
“As a little bit child, we have been ready for that to return, however we might sense it was a matter of time.”
Not that Mainoo had been dominating the midfield from an early age. “As a teenager, he was a centre-forward and scored plenty of targets,” revealed Cox.
“I’ve seen him play in all kinds of attacking positions. Across the age of 15, 16, he was extra of an attacking midfielder.”
Not that United was Mainoo’s solely focus. He continued to play for Pictures, a grassroots membership coached by Paul Newton, who beforehand labored with Mainoo at Cheadle and Gatley.
Kobbie Mainoo could also be identified throughout Europe now however Pictures was dwelling to some well-known names – Kai Rooney, Jacey Carrick, Ben Aguero, Roman Walker and Tyler and Jack Fletcher have all been by way of the membership.
However Mainoo’s means to make a reputation for himself was in proof again in 2017, when he scored the successful objective as Pictures claimed the North West Junior Champions League – a contest Newton stated he had been attempting to win for a decade.
