Who is Kobbie Mainoo? Man Utd teenager handed debut against Charlton in Carabao Cup

The 17-year-old will make his Manchester United debut against Charlton Athletic at Old Trafford.Information Guide Nigeria

At the age of 17, Kobbie Mainoo will make his full Manchester United debut against Charlton in the League Cup quarter-finals at Old Trafford.

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Manager Erik ten Hag has handed the midfielder the nod for the match against the League One side, which the Red Devils will be heavy favourites to win.

We examine the teenager and explain why Ten Hag has given him a start against Charlton.

Who exactly is Kobbie Mainoo?
Mainoo, a 17-year-old midfielder, joined Manchester United when he was nine years old. The Red Devils described Mainoo as “creatively superb” when he played his first senior minutes against Cadiz in December.

Man United were defeated 4-2 by the Spanish team at their winter training camp, but Mainoo stood out with a goal for Ten Hag’s side after coming on at half-time. He also appeared in United’s subsequent friendly against Real Betis.

Mainoo is regarded as one of the club’s finest prospects in the academy and has advanced quickly through the ranks. He was a member of the Manchester United Under-17s FA Youth Cup-winning team last season and has since been promoted to the Under-21 squad.

At the end of last season, Mainoo signed his first professional deal with the Red Devils.

Ten Hag has elevated the midfielder to the first squad for the second time since taking over the club in the summer. Mainoo joins Charlie McNeill in making the step up to the first team under the Dutchman, who appeared as a substitute against Real Sociedad in the Europa League.

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Kobbie Mainoo plays what position?
The adolescent plays in centre midfield and is noted for his attacking ability and creativity.

Travis Binnion, who oversees the Manchester United Under-21 team in their Papa Johns Trophy games, has explained how he can play in a variety of midfield positions.

“We’ve seen him play as a 6, 8, and 10 in recent weeks, and that shows the makings of a really smart football brain and an athletic potential to play throughout the pitch and in different roles and systems,” he told The Athletic.

“He’s making good progress. His strong points include close control, superb awareness, and body touch. He’s a fighter who excels in both boxes. He possesses a diverse set of abilities. He’s been doing well in training with the first team.”NYSC portal

Why did Ten Hag give him his Manchester United debut against Charlton?
Ten Hag has decided to rotate his players for the game against Charlton, as he faces a crowded fixture calendar following the return of domestic football following the World Cup in 2022.

The Dutchman has given minutes to fringe players like as Tom Heaton, Harry Maguire, and Scott McTominay while also bringing in plenty of youngsters, with Mainoo joining Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Elanga in the starting lineup.

Ten Hag’s choice to start Mainoo is a huge vote of confidence in the teenager, but he appears to have been on the manager’s mind for some time. The teenager was named to the bench for Manchester United’s Premier League matches against Newcastle in October and Wolves on New Year’s Eve but did not play.JAMB portal

What did Ten Hag have to say about Mainoo?
Mr. Kobbie Mainoo Cadiz Man Utd (embed only) Image courtesy of Getty Images
Ten Hag discussed his decision to select Mainoo before of kickoff and why he will start against Charlton.

“For him it’s 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 opportunity – it’s about deserving it,” he told MUTV.

“He has to [be ready], we have to step up, I think we have a strong team today. Licha, it’s his first time back, but he’s had some good training sessions and will be ready for this game. You always have to play your game, which means 100 per cent focus.”

Mainoo now gets a golden opportunity to impress his coach against lower league opposition. Charlton are now 12th in League One, but they did defeat Brighton in the League Cup last time around.JAMB Result

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