Kobbie Mainoo has shown an elite mentality over the past five months to fight his way back into the Manchester United team. The 21-year-old has now set an objective to win the World Cup this summer.
There was a time this year when Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Manchester United looked bleak. Ruben Amorim wasn’t giving him any starts in the Premier League, so there was a chance he would leave the club.
Thankfully, the arrival of Michael Carrick led to the redemption of Mainoo. The United academy graduate returned to the team and contributed to a strong run that resulted in a third-place finish in the Premier League on top of Champions League qualification.
After being called up to the England squad ahead of Adam Wharton, Mainoo has set his focus on the 2026 World Cup. He can do that now that the young midfielder has committed his future to United.
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Kobbie Mainoo believes England can win the World Cup
Thomas Tuchel will lead England to the World Cup after a successful qualification campaign.
Mainoo was overlooked by Tuchel for the majority of that qualification campaign because he only returned to the national team set-up in March, starting in a game against Japan alongside United-linked Elliot Anderson.
It remains to be seen what will be Tuchel’s preferred line-up this summer, but Mainoo is feeling confident about England’s chances in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“Yeah, 100%,” Mainoo told Sky Sports when asked if England can go all the way this summer.
“I think everyone in the squad and staff believes we can win it. But that doesn’t come easy. First game, second, third, we have to build, build and build.
“I think that’s what we have to focus on.”
Mainoo was speaking to the press at England’s training camp in Miami.
This will be Mainoo’s first World Cup as a senior England international.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Kobbie Mainoo is confident England can win the World Cup
- Thomas Tuchel named Mainoo in his 26-man squad for the tournament this summer
- It will be Mainoo’s first World Cup at the senior level
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Hot takes only🔥
Kobbie Mainoo ‘grateful’ to Michael Carrick for World Cup call-up
Mainoo couldn’t get away from talking about United while preparing for the World Cup.
He spoke highly of Carrick, stressing that the dressing room was happy when he was appointed permanent head coach.
“We were very happy with it, obviously, we were behind the manager from the start,” Mainoo told talkSPORT.
“So many great performances under him, and I love the way he coaches and manages me personally in the team as well.
“I think everyone in the squad can agree with that, so when he officially got the job, we were all so happy.”
Mainoo also thanked Carrick for helping earn him the call up from Thomas Tuchel, adding: “Definitely, and I told him that I was very grateful.
“Because if he hadn’t put me on the pitch, then I wouldn’t have been here so, I’m always grateful to him for that.”
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