Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo has made a touching offer to a supporter who shared an emotional family story connected to the star’s winning goal against Wolves.
Mainoo scored a superb 97th minute winner last Thursday, with the academy product producing a solo run and curling finish.
The 18-year-old’s first Premier League goal earned Man United a 4-3 win against Wolves, who had fought back from 3-1 down to level the match in stoppage time.
Man United supporter Daniel Killeen shared on Twitter that he had watched the match with his father Vincent, who sadly died of cancer on Sunday.
Killeen thanked Mainoo for delivering a ‘truly brilliant and special moment’ for his family in what would be the last match he watched with his father.
‘When Wolves equalised, we were both so frustrated,’ Killeen wrote on social media. ‘I have never willed United to score more than that moment and then Kobbie Mainoo steps up with an amazing winner.
‘Seeing dad’s arm in the air, a smile on his face and declaring: ‘that’s why you watch United’. When he saw that you were doing an interview, he insisted that I stay so he could listen.
‘I know football should be about winning trophies, but you will never score a more important goal for our family, Kobbie.
‘You are already a hero in our household and you are now my seven-year-old’s favourite player.
‘Thank you for a truly brilliant and special moment. I am sure your career will bring many of them.’
Man United and Mainoo responded to Killeen’s emotional post on X, formerly Twitter, by inviting the Man United fan and his son to attend a match at Old Trafford.
‘Hi Daniel, Kobbie here. I saw your message on Twitter and was really touched by your story,’ Mainoo said.
‘I’m really sorry about the passing of your father. I’m glad you could share such a special moment together, and I could play a small part in that.
‘I wanted to invite you and your son to a game soon at Old Trafford. So we’ll get in touch and get everything sorted. Stay strong and I’ll see you soon.’
Mainoo’s match-winning goal was the teenager’s second since breaking into Man United’s first team.
The 18-year-old had opened his account the previous match as Man United beat Newport County 4-2 in the FA Cup fourth round.
Mainoo has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Old Trafford, with the academy product making 16 appearances in all competitions for the first team.