Kobbie Mainoo is well on course to become a Manchester United legend, and his new contract at the club ensures that he will spend the next five years at Old Trafford.
The most successful academy graduate of the 2020s, Kobbie Mainoo, is the current walking proof of Manchester United’s heritage and club identity.
For this reason, United fans were thrilled by Mainoo’s contract extension being confirmed this week. Mainoo will be at United until 2031 at the very least, but the deal is more important than just on the pitch.
There are several winners from Mainoo’s extension, one of whom is JJ Gabriel. Now Mainoo’s comments explain why.
If Elliot Anderson is £125m… What is Kobbie Mainoo’s market value right now?
Not that he's going anywhere…🔒
Kobbie Mainoo explains idolising Marcus Rashford at Manchester United
During Mainoo’s contract announcement, there was a video released of him with the U12s, who all admired him, including one kid telling the 21-year-old that he has his hairstyle.
Graduates giving back to the youth has long been part of the United culture.
Speaking to the Inside Carrington podcast, Mainoo has now revealed his thoughts on the academy and how Marcus Rashford was an idol for him to look at when coming through.
“For me, that’s a big thing, what United is built on, players coming through the Academy.
“Me seeing players like Rashy, it gives you hope that there is a way, you know?”
Mainoo continued to explain his admiration for Rashford.
“The one that stands out is Rashy, when Rashy came up [to speak with us].
“I remember watching Rashy in the u18s, we used to always watch his clips on YouTube and stuff.
“And then when he made his debut and then was in the first team, and then when he came back to speak, I remember that one really, really hit hard…”
For players in the United academy, seeing first-teamers who have walked the same path as them is key to their belief in a pathway to the first team.
Mainoo had Rashford, and today’s kids have Mainoo.
Kobbie Mainoo’s new contract is OFFICIAL – let’s hear your instant reaction!!!
We nearly lost him…!
Mainoo is now in Rashford’s shoes and contract is good for JJ Gabriel
These comments from Mainoo show the importance of his position in the first team, as there is nobody else right now.
United will therefore benefit from JJ Gabriel in particular, now seeing Mainoo being committed to by the club and backed with a big contract.
The 15-year-old looks up to the United midfielder. This was evident as Gabriel was quick to applaud Mainoo’s contract after it was announced.
Gabriel has long been targeted by Europe’s elite, and United face a fight to keep hold of him. But with Mainoo balling in the senior team, Ineos can point to him and have an example for Gabriel.
Mainoo and Gabriel would be excellent together, and now that United have the midfielder long term, hopefully the U18s top scorer joins him by also signing a pre-professional deal.
United giving Mainoo a big deal and platforming him as a star sends the right message to Gabriel and other academy talents. United is the place to become a world-class player and the pathway is there to be followed.
There were concerns over United’s academy pathway under Ruben Amorim, but that is no longer the case.
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