How Kobbie Mainoo has been prepared to become a Manchester United regular

When Kobbie Mainoo replaced Marcel Sabitzer towards the end of Manchester United's 3-0 win over Leicester in February, it was the first of what the Reds hope will be man Premier League appearances for them. The Stockport-born teenager might only have been on for 10 minutes but completing seven of his eight passes showed the composure on the ball that Erik ten Hag covets in his players.

Mainoo had penned a new long-term deal at the club just days earlier having already made the cut for 12 first-team squads, including in matches against Barcelona, Manchester City and Arsenal. Now, fresh from winning the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award, he's gearing up for a pre-season that could see him genuinely fighting for a more permanent role alongside the likes of Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount in midfield.

United's Academy head Nick Cox detailed his pride in the teenager after his Premier League debut, explaining how Ten Hag only offers such opportunities to those who earn their place. And in doing so he unpacked how the manager is shaping him for possible future inclusion.

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“[We are] always delighted when a young boy makes a debut, particularly when they start a game,” Cox told in-house media.

“It’s very different coming off the bench than starting a game, so he’s had to earn that. The manager doesn’t do favours. You play in the team if you’re good enough.

“You don’t get special treatment because you’re a young lad who’s come through the system, you’ve got to earn it. He’s done that and that’s