Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo puts pen to paper on new long-term deal at Old Trafford

Manchester United teenager Kobbie Mainoo has signed a new long-term contract at Old Trafford.

The 17-year-old midfielder, one of eight United academy prospects to appear for the first team this season, made his full debut in last month’s Carabao Cup win against Charlton.

United, who did not specify the length of the England under-18 international’s contract, said: ‘Mainoo has played twice for Erik ten Hag’s senior side in 2022-23. He has also been included in Erik ten Hag’s matchday squad for six Premier League games.

United added: “Mainoo will look to hone his behind-the-scenes talent and continue his development at the club in the months and years to come.”

Stockport star Mainoo is quickly emerging as a player Ten Hag can also rely on.

Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo has signed a new long-term contract at the club.

Mainoo poses with United academy boss Nick Cox (left) and manager Erik ten Hag (right)

Making his first-team debut against Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup quarter-final win last month, many staff thought the 17-year-old was “unlucky” not to have received his bow before then. . He played for just over an hour before being replaced by Casemiro, the series winner who admits to studying closely.

A key part of the team that won the FA Youth Cup against Nottingham Forest last season, Mainoo has continued on an upward trajectory.

As well as impressing Ten Hag in training, he was recognized as man of the match in a closed-doors friendly with Everton during the World Cup and scored against Cádiz during United’s warm-weather training camp in December.

After making his Carabao Cup debut, Ten Hag said the teenager had impressed at United’s winter training camp during the World Cup break, leading to his being given the chance.

“The most important thing is to win this game and go to the next round,” Ten Hag told MUTV.

Mainoo (centre) made his senior Manchester United debut against Charlton last month.

“We want to get to the semifinals, so it’s a great game.

‘For him (Mainoo) it is a great opportunity, he did very well during the winter camp in Spain. He also did very well against Everton in a friendly.

“He deserved to play, so I’m happy to give him the chance, it’s about deserving it.”

Strong, fast and fearless, Mainoo originally played for Cheadle and Gatley juniors before being signed by United at the age of nine. He has drawn comparisons to another former United academy graduate, Paul Pogba, but reckons he still has plenty of room to grow both physically and in skill.

In fact, for all the praise it’s receiving, one of Mainoo’s greatest assets, staff say, is its willingness to listen.

Defender Harry Maguire took remarkable time to calm the youngster’s nerves ahead of his debut in January and Mainoo credited his established teammates afterwards, saying: “I’ve been training with the lads quite a few times.” They all made me feel welcome and all gave me words of advice and encouragement. So I felt at home.

Ten Hag is a big fan of Mainoo and the club have now signed him on a long-term deal.

The 17-year-old started after impressing Ten Hag during training over the winter.

“Being able to follow Casemiro closely and watch him train is an honor and for him to replace me is crazy.

‘I looked at the team sheet and it was starting. I was a bit surprised but I had to do my job. Yes, there were some butterflies, but it was more exciting.

Several of Europe’s elite teams have been following Mainoo’s progress following some of his performances in the UEFA Youth League, aware that his path could be complicated when United try again with big names like Declan Rice from the West. Ham this summer, but the local teenager’s loyalty to United has never been in question.

“Remaining in the first team and continuing to play more games is the ultimate goal,” he said. “I want to stay at this club, I’ve been here all my life.”