Kobbie Mainoo already developing important skill as Man Utd’s FA Cup hero shows his drive

Kobbie Mainoo demonstrated his determination to keep learning off the pitch – as well as on it – by taking up a new language during his extended injury layoff last year.

Despite a season that's been less than stellar for the club, with the exception of their FA Cup success, the 19-year-old has emerged as a beacon of hope. He's solidified his position as a key player in Manchester United's midfield and looks set to be on the plane to Germany for the Euros.

However, it has been overlooked that Mainoo's season kicked off on a sour note. He sustained an injury on the pre-season tour in the USA and was sidelined until late November. Nevertheless, the Stockport-born talent took advantage of the downtime to start learning Spanish, reports the Mirror.

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"I started Spanish lessons on Zoom just to pass the time a bit," Mainoo told The Guardian. "It's tough to keep doing them now with the schedule being so busy but now it's into summer I'll try to pick it up again because I enjoyed it."

Once he regained his fitness, Mainoo had to pause his language studies as he quickly became an indispensable part of Erik ten Hag's team. His impressive form led to an England call-up, and he now has a good shot at partnering Declan Rice in Gareth Southgate's midfield this summer.

In a fitting turn of events, it was Mainoo's decisive goal and man of the match display against Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday that transformed United's lacklustre season into a somewhat memorable one, perfectly rounding off an impressive individual campaign.

Mainoo