'I've only been nervous once' - Kobbie Mainoo's first major interview on his stunning rise at Manchester United

On the stroll from the academy building, past the fountain of youth and to the main hub at Carrington, the Manchester United press officer is advising Kobbie Mainoo. "I'll be fine," he says.

The 19-year-old enters the spartan press room just off reception and shakes hands. Mainoo strolls in and his assertive handshake is vice-like.

Then the conversation flows like Mainoo's passing. He is as much of a delight to converse with as he is to watch.

This is Mainoo's first interview with the press and the press officer optimistically touts him as a United mixed zone representative every four weeks for the next ten years. They will hope to keep him longer.

Graduates are stencilled onto the walls of the academy building, where Mainoo, sporting a vintage 1990 FA Cup final United jacket, posed for the club photographer. It is a matter of time until Mainoo is recognised.

Nothing fazes Mainoo, sitting at the head of the table. He is disarmingly nerveless at an age where students are approaching the end of their first year at university.

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Has he ever been nervous? "Everton," he confirms. His first Premier League start. "When I first started I was nervous for that, but once I got my head around that I was playing I just tried to do my thing. Play my way. I’ve played my way through the academy and I’ve not changed for the occasion.

"That’s the best way to stay true to who I am. Because I feel if I do get nervous and stuff, you start to change."

He did not appear nervous. Mainoo was the man of the match in that 3-0 victory, his first senior appearance in four months.