With talent and maturity beyond his years, Kobbie Mainoo showed why he’s the future of Man United’s midfield… and the 19-year-old is proving every inch the answer to Gareth Southgate’s conundrum too, writes SAMI MOKBEL
Roaming the hallowed grounds of Wembley as if he owned the place, Kobbie Mainoo has never looked better at home.
The question is: will Gareth Southgate give this insanely talented boy from Stockport the keys to his midfield?
His goal is immaterial, although the clarity of mind he showed so ruthlessly in executing Manchester United’s winner on a triumphant day belies his young status.
But there’s just something about this guy that told you he wasn’t going to fold; his confidence hits you right in the face.
And then you remember; he’s only 19.
We often tell our youth not to rush growing up – Mainoo clearly didn’t get the memo.
Kobbie Mainoo stunned Wembley with his full repertoire of skills as Man United won the FA Cup
Manchester United emerged victorious after a 2-1 win over rivals Man City at Wembley on Saturday
Mainoo put in a composed performance at Wembley as he scored United’s second goal
England manager Gareth Southgate (right) looked on at Wembley ahead of Euro 2024
Maturity far beyond his years. Man of the match, all in a crowded engine room consisting of Rodri and Mateo Kovacic.
Quietly, he played his own game, more than holding his own to emerge from the sweltering heat of battle with his arms raised – his first winner’s medal neatly tucked away in his back pocket. More will follow.
“Last year I was in the stands,” Mainoo reminisced full-time during frenzied scenes.
‘[It means] absolutely everything. It has been a tough season with ups and downs and this is the one thing we have had to look forward to.
“We knew we had to come together. The preparation for this game was great. We showed that we can compete and win games.”
Constantly scanning the landscape, repeatedly looking over his shoulders for danger; Mainoo’s management in his first major final was a sight to behold.
He controls the pace and patterns for United with the look of a seasoned campaigner in midfield.
Pass with one or two touches. Collecting the ball on the half turn. Balls in feet. Goes over it. Short steps. Long strides.
In the 94th minute, as his team shakily took a 2-1 lead, Mainoo carried the ball to the halfway line before accurately releasing to Rasmus Hojland to relieve the pressure.
Thirty seconds later he hooked deep into his own box. In the heart of United’s biggest day of the season.
England have a midfield dilemma, with Declan Rice (left), Jude Bellingham (centre) and Phil Foden (right) all starting in Germany… but Southgate is likely to opt for more balance
Southgate wants a balanced midfielder alongside Rice and Mainoo seems the best answer, with Trent Alexander-Arnold (left) and Conor Gallagher (right) also in contention
Alejandro Garnacho (right) was Mainoo’s partner in crime during a sensational performance
Erik ten Hag’s future dominated the pre-match discussion, but he was still celebrating full-time
At Wembley, on the biggest stage, Mainoo demonstrated the full repertoire.
Whatever fate awaits Erik ten Hag, his dealings with Mainoo must be questioned.
Undoubtedly one of the triumphs of the Dutchman’s eventful reign. It takes guts to throw a teenager into the blood and thunder of Premier League football.
But fortune favors the brave and here at Wembley Ten Hag was paid in full for showing the backbone to throw Mainoo into the deep end.
The future of United’s midfield, with or without Ten Hag. Certainly, he is also on track to become the future of England’s midfield.
With just three weeks to go before England’s Euro 2024 kick-off, there is a sense that an essential piece is missing from Southgate’s puzzle.
On this evidence, Mainoo looks every bit the answer to the English midfield conundrum.
Southgate, flanked by his assistant Steve Holland, was here to witness Mainoo’s brilliance first-hand. The performance that booked his place on the plane to Germany as Southgate reduces the 33-man squad he named on Tuesday to 26.
But moreover, was this the performance that secured his place in the starting XI when England faced Serbia on June 16?
The 19-year-old star celebrates winning the first senior medal of his career
The midfielder was calm and mature in the center of the park, outplaying Rodri (right)
If Garnacho provides the stardust for Manchester United, Mainoo provides the foundation
The call for this will skyrocket after this.
Declan Rice’s defensive instincts. Jude Bellingham’s attacking dynamism. Everything supplemented with Mainoo’s balance.
A recipe for success, Southgate will certainly be tempted by a portion.
“Here in England you are very good at pushing players too high and then knocking them down with one or two bad performances,” Ten Hag said.
If Ten Hag tries to curb the hype, he is fighting a losing battle.
Mainoo sprinted full-time, arm in arm with partner-in-crime Alejandro Garnacho, towards the jubilant United supporters.
Its symbolism was inescapable; the two players this troubled club will build their future on.
If Garnacho offers the stardust, Mainoo provides the basics.
“Unbelievable,” was Garnacho’s succinct response when asked about his brilliant teammate.
‘The best player on the team and he is the youngest.’
The best player? At United you won’t find many people who will argue. The stage is set for Mainoo to prove his worth to England.