Who is Kobbie Mainoo? Manchester United youngster who made his first start aged 17

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag gave match-goers a glimpse into the future at Old Trafford last season, with Kobbie Mainoo one of several youngsters who made appearances in various competitions.

He picked midfielder Mainoo in his starting XI against Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup. Mainoo and several other youngsters were included in the matchday squad as United ran out 3-0 winners at home against the League One side.

Mainoo made further appearances later in the season, with an outing from the bench against Reading in United's FA Cup fourth round win in January. This was followed by a Premier League debut just a month later, with the then 17-year-old making an appearance from the bench against Leicester City.

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Mainoo, who turned 18 in April, operates principally as a central midfielder, having represented Cheadle & Gatley junior football club before joining United's academy. He has made stellar progress since, first joining Travis Binnion's Under-18 squad where he established himself as one of the Reds' most exciting young talents, before progressing to the U21s and also getting a taste of first team action.

He has represented England at various youth levels, with action for the under-17s, under-18s and under-19s. He is also eligible to represent Ghana. Last season he won the prestigious Jimmy Murphy young player of the year award, previously won by the likes of Marcus Rashford, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

The Stockport born star won the FA Youth Cup in 2021 and he's since been promoted to United's