Kobbie Mainoo is looking like he will have a bright future at Manchester United as the Academy graduate continues to shine after a breakthrough into the first-team squad this season. His introduction – and subsequent impact – might have come even sooner had it not been for him suffering an injury setback last summer.
The teenager oozed class from the moment he took his first touch in the Premier League and that belated debut against Everton was enough to get Roy Keane, Gary Neville and other United icons purring in the TV studios. They have not had too much to shout about at Old Trafford and beyond over recent years.
However, with Mainoo emerging alongside Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund – for example – there are the makings of an exciting team to get pundits, supporters and general observers off their seats once again. Mainoo is the potential driving force in that regard from central midfield.
Of course, there will be a few bumps in the road as the 18-year-old hones his craft at the top level. Aside from his undoubted talent, the Stockport-born sensation has already underlined that he has the right mentality to take the pressure and expectation in his stride – gliding through his top-flight career to this juncture.
So what next for Mainoo in the coming months?
Firstly, with United battling for Champions League qualification – and silverware in the FA Cup – there is a platform for him to make a further statement on the pitch. Then comes the summer transfer window as INEOS prepare to be front and centre of plans for the first time after their investment.
Mainoo is very much assured of an important place in the first-team squad. As such, it could be time for him to be awarded with an upgrade to his current shirt number.
The midfielder currently wears No.37 after previously holding the No.73 upon his progression from the club’s famed Academy system. With further outgoings and changes anticipated for the summer transfer window, that could free up some enticing options for Mainoo and other developing youngsters to consider.
As things stand, No.13 and No.15 are both unassigned, in addition to No.26, No.27 and No.30.
Jadon Sancho will leave No.25 behind as and when he departs on a permanent basis, while speculation around Old Trafford is rife with Raphael Varane (No.19), Casemiro (No.18) and Christian Eriksen (No.14) among players mooted to, possibly, be on their way if the terms and conditions are right for United.
A departure for Anthony Martial would see No.9 up for grabs. Rasmus Hojlund (No.11) would, perhaps, have one eye on that as the first-choice striker for United, but any change would lead to No.11 being re-available.