I arrived at Manchester Piccadilly station the day after Manchester United’s dismal finish, where they conceded a late goal in a draw with Burnley, who is facing relegation. Sixth in the Premier League at the time of writing, with four games remaining, the team is all but out of the Champions League race, although there is still a chance of qualifying for the Europa League. To overtake Aston Villa and Newcastle is one thing, but to outperform their longstanding rivals Manchester City, who are now on track for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League victory, is another. United are the only other team that has come close to accomplishing this accomplishment in the past.

A stone’s throw from the station exit, one of the north’s most renowned gastronomic destinations is thriving. When asked about yesterday night’s game, a young man behind the counter shrugs and hands me my vegan banger roll. He describes it as “disappointing”. Curiously prompted by his brusque response, I ask a similar query further along in an oddly deserted Starbucks. As his colleague slides a mocha my way, one barista exclaims, “The team is good; it’s just poorly managed in my opinion.” I don’t have anything negative to say about the players. I march on, listening to any local spokesperson whose opinions range from managerial criticisms to the impact of a succession of negative injuries to the city being ‘blue’ (Man City’s colours). It quickly becomes evident that, similar to stories from the Haçienda’s heyday, everyone seems to have an opinion about Manchester United. Despite not having won a trophy since 2013, they are the most popular and engaged Premier League team. They have won 20 English league titles in total, 13 of which came under Sir Alex Ferguson, more than any other team. According to my father, one of their top strikers inspired one of my middle names, Cole.

After a cheerful northern welcome and a proud affirmation of his loyalty to the Red Devils, he rattles off his top players in a tone that makes you wonder if you’re crazy for asking. There’s Anthony Martial, a 28-year-old attacker who has been cool, collected, and fast over his nine-year stay with the squad. Bruno Fernandes, the 29-year-old midfielder, is as inventive as he is slick on the ball, having made 230 appearances and scored 79 goals in four years with the club. Then there’s Marcus Rashford, a former Dazed cover star and Manchester pride, who has been lauded in the press for both his on-field accomplishments (131 goals in 399 games) and his off-field activism. Then comes the curveball. A player with only a year of experience on the senior team. Despite just making 30 appearances and scoring three goals, he mentioned it with joy. “Kobbie, Mainoo.” I mean… [Kobbie] is incredible. “He’s an incredible player,” he says. “But you don’t want to put too much pressure on him.”

Mainoo is only 19 years old, and her baby-faced smile reflects this. His modesty balances his increasingly frightening reputation on the field, with the soft presence of a lad still maturing into himself – the hem of his huge Balenciaga football shirt touching his knuckles, à la Ariana Grande. Mainoo emerges with a tiny entourage, flanked by agents, brand reps, and his two wonderfully supportive sisters, whose degree of care and sensitivity grows as the strain on their little star increases. We’ll meet the next day at one of Sale’s local sports clubs, similar to the ones he used to play in as a kid, travelling for hours between home, school, and training grounds. Eye contact is consistent, handshakes are firm, and most importantly, he shows no indications of the stresses placed upon him. There are no evidence of ego inflate, despite several reasons for it.

Mainoo made his first-team Premier League debut as a substitute in a 3-0 win over Leicester in February, little over a month after making his first start for United in the Carabao Cup. Then, in November, the United academy graduate was promoted to the starting lineup, impressing ex-United pundits Gary Neville (“Manchester United’s best player by a street”) and the typically grumpy Roy Keane (“standout performer”) with his performance in a 3-0 victory over Everton. Between touch-ups in the hair and make-up trailer, Mainoo considers what was once a fantasy that has now become a reality in just over a year. “I knew it was a big chance, and not many of them come around, you know?” he replies, little surprised. “I knew I had to make an impression and prove myself on the pitch. It’s a wonderful sensation.”

Mainoo’s magnificent, curling strike in the top-right corner during a 2-2 draw against Liverpool in April won his first senior Old Trafford goal – at the ground’s venerable Stretford End, no less – establishing his presence and piqueing the interest of any remaining sceptics. Dreams came true when he jogged over to the Old Trafford faithful, raising a humble salute before being surrounded by his role models-turned-peers. “It was such a big game, such a close game,” Mainoo recalls. “It was 1-1 at the moment, and that’s what you dream about. It was a dream of mine to rush towards the family stand at the Stretford End.”

“I have these moments where I’m like, ‘Two years ago, you were on my FIFA squad, and now I’m playing with you and bickering on the pitch. “It’s crazy,” says Kobbie Mainoo.

In less than two years, Mainoo has progressed from FA Youth Cup winner to senior England international. You’d never believe he was making his international debut for England in March, when he was drafted in for a friendly against Brazil at Wembley Stadium. Manager Gareth Southgate praised his youthful energy after the game, stating that “sometimes, with the really young ones, they are not even thinking about [the occasion].” It all flows, and as you get older, you may begin to think about it more. It is a beautiful, innocent time when he is simply going with the flow and seizing chances as they arise.” But how has he handled such significant life changes in such a short period of time? “I just have to adapt quickly and try to get used to all this change,” Mainoo adds. “I have good support and a good family, so things aren’t too crazy because they keep me grounded.” “They keep me modest.

Kobbie Mainoo, or ‘Kobz’ as friends and family lovingly refer to him, was born in 2005, the year Roy Keane was fired from the club just weeks after his infamous diatribe against his colleagues. When the epidemic struck, Mainoo would have been 14 years old and prepared for his GCSEs. When seeing him on the pitch, it’s easy to forget that he’s comfortable, assured, agile, and has technical consistency that belies his age. His parents always prioritised school over training. “Can’t say I agree,” he quips with a boyish grin, before explaining its significance to him. “Schoolwork was always the primary priority, followed by training. It was extremely beneficial to have parents that supported me.” We’re speaking little over a week after his 19th birthday celebrations, which marked the first few days of his final teenage years. The youngster is rapidly maturing into a man, yet he does not appear to be concerned. In fact, “it doesn’t feel too much different,” Mainoo claims. “Life moves quickly, and there are many games in such a short amount of time. You don’t have much time to ponder about what’s going on.”

Wool knitted jumper from Loewe, polyester and nylon trousers Nike x Supreme jewellery, Air Max TN mesh, and rubber trainers. NikePhotography Jebi Labembika: Styling Mirko Pedone

Mainoo grew raised in Stockport, around seven miles south of Manchester. As the youngest of four siblings, his first recollections are, unsurprisingly, of “playing football in the garden”. Much of his childhood is shaped by recollections of playing on the neighbourhood pitch or gathering the soldiers for a game. “I’d always drag my sisters out to stand in goal for me and stuff like that.” His sisters stand shoulder to shoulder behind me, excitedly documenting our exchange. When his memory fails him, they’re there to provide a clearer image. When asked how he got his start in football, he pauses to consult with them. “You played for the school team,” one sister recalls. “No, before that…” Mainoo commences. “Mr. Andy!” [I was] three or four years old, and he was a coach who attended the local high school and played football. I used to attend with my parents, and they would also join in.” Mainoo’s answers to questions regarding his past are brief. You get the impression he hasn’t yet gotten used to people wanting to know so much about him – and when even a casual get-together with pals becomes Daily Mail news, it’s a big adjustment. Furthermore, what use are these reflections to a child who is now pursuing his dreams? When I ask him if he is more contemplative or forward-thinking, he pauses for a bit and says, “Probably future-facing.”

Mainoo recalls playing a memorable friendly against Manchester City while at Cheadle & Gatley, his first junior football team. “I think I played well in that; I scored a couple of goals and ended up going to the development centre at City for a bit,” he continues. “I was at United as well; I did both together for a while before I finally chose United.” As a trainee, Red was offered the flexibility to “do my own thing.” I believe that is one of the reasons I enjoy it so much, despite the hard effort and long hours.” He informs me that his favourite player is Ronaldinho, which is a cliche but true. “Most importantly, he asserted himself and played with a smile on his face. He always seemed to be having fun, which is how I felt about football. I thought it was fun, and I still do.