Mainoo's rise from academy to England star

IT has been an astonishing breakthrough campaign for Stockport teenager Kobbie Mainoo.

- TYRONE MARSHALL

It was in Houston’s imposing NRG Stadium last July that the value of Mainoo to United first became apparent. Those who had watched him steer the club to FA Youth Cup success and shine through the academy ranks knew there was a serious talent there.

People who had been paying closer attention also knew Erik ten Hag was a big fan. The Dutchman had sought the teenager out in his club suit on the Wembley pitch after the Carabao Cup win against Newcastle to tell him it wouldn’t be long before occasions like this belonged to him. Even Ten Hag couldn’t have believed it would happen this quickly.

Fifteen months later Mainoo was upstaging his more gilded Stockport alumni Phil Foden in an FA Cup final. Now they could share a pitch in England colours in an international tournament.