Kobbie Mainoo is the talk of Manchester United right now after he committed his long-term future to the club earlier this week.
After a long negotiation period, Kobbie Mainoo and Manchester United finally agreed to terms over a new contract that keeps him at the club until 2031 at the earliest.
It was news that was well received by United supporters, who are delighted that the midfielder has been shown faith by the club, after his hard times under Ruben Amorim.
The contract comes with Mainoo re-finding the form that made him one of the best young talents in world football during his breakthrough.
Now, Steve McClaren has admitted to being wowed by the 21-year-old during his debut campaign.
If Elliot Anderson is £125m… What is Kobbie Mainoo’s market value right now?
Not that he's going anywhere…🔒
Steve McClaren on Kobbie Mainoo’s breakout for Manchester United
McClaren was one of Erik ten Hag’s assistant coaches during the 2023/24 season when Mainoo emerged for the first-team as an 18-year-old.
Speaking to The Athletic, McClaren has revealed his first thoughts upon seeing Mainoo during his breakout year.
“He came out of nowhere, and Erik [Ten Hag] suddenly went, ‘He’s training with us’. That’s totally down to Erik. I remember him saying first day, ‘Watch him’.
“I couldn’t believe it, never gave the ball away. Strong as an ox. Then Erik played him.
“I went, ‘He’s terrific’. He was Erik’s kind of player, in terms of build-up from the back and being able to take the ball.”
McClaren used Mainoo’s strength during the FA Cup final win over Manchester City in 2024, identifying him as the player to outmuscle Erling Haaland, and he did just that.
Kobbie Mainoo’s new contract is OFFICIAL – let’s hear your instant reaction!!!
We nearly lost him…!
Mainoo’s instant suitability for senior football is a blueprint for United
After a stunning debut in 2023, Mainoo went on to become among United’s best players. He was key in the FA Cup final win at the age of 19, six months after his debut.
Mainoo’s immediate comfort in senior football was so impressive, and is the gold standard for academy integration at United.
Marcus Rashford was the same immediately, looking at home.
This suggests that it is fairly easy to tell if a player can make it at United based on their initial impact.
Shea Lacey, therefore, is worth being excited by. Lacey looked electric on his cameo appearances so far, and if only for a couple of inches, he’d have scored the goal of the season.
This is the blueprint for United, ready the academy standouts to be instant success stories. Hopefully, Lacey nails down his name on this list at the end of the season.
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