Starlet Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United has had a significant physical makeover recently.
Manager Erik ten Hag has gradually introduced the 18-year-old academy product into the starting lineup this season.
Kobbie Mainoo has broken into Manchester United’s first team this season
The teenage midfielder hasn’t been afraid to stick his foot in during his breakthrough season
Mainoo – pictured here playing for the U18s in 2021 – was once a small and ‘wiry’ player according to a former coach
Mainoo has shown composure and skill well beyond his years, so much so that segments of the Old Trafford faithful have called on Ten Hag to regularly start him.
One United fan claimed “he’s going straight to the top” after seeing him turn in a solid display.
The teenager hasn’t looked out of place and already looks capable of handling the physical demands of his position.
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His strength comes from rigorous exercise and a healthy diet that have completely eliminated his “wiry” appearance.
Many have been taken aback by Mainoo’s changes throughout the years, including Cheadle and Steve Vare, the academy chief of FC Gately, who has known him since he was five years old.
He told the Manchester Evening News: “I went to the Youth Cup final. He’s almost unrecognisable.
“As he’s a big lad now and he was only tiny when he was at Cheadle and Gatley.
“My description of him at the time was wiry, he was really strong and very quick off the mark
Kobbie Mainoo was part of the Manchester United side which won the Youth FA Cup in May 2022
“He was one of those that pushed the ball past a player and he would be electric, in terms of how he could spring forward.
“He’s a tall lad now and I thought he had a really great game against Nottingham Forest in the Youth Cup final.
“I sometimes wind my kids up by saying I coached him and they say ‘only for a short space of time’.
“Cheadle and Gatley obviously only played a small part in his development and as with anything in grassroots, it’s just a foundation for the youngsters.
“But everyone at Cheadle and Gatley are absolutely delighted for him and it’s great to see him doing so well.”
Paul Scholes, a Red Devils legend, is also persuaded by his recent performances that he deserves a longer stint with the team.
Speaking after United’s 3-3 draw with Galatasaray, he said: “I think Mainoo needs a run in the team.
“And from what we saw at Everton on Sunday, I think now it’s time to give him a chance.
“This back four, they need protecting. No one senses danger as much as this young lad.
“On Sunday, in a hostile atmosphere, he looked the real deal. I don’t see anyone else being able to protect the back four like he can do.”
Mainoo, 18, has shown great strength in the middle of the park when called upon
