Who is Kobbie Mainoo? Meet the Manchester United youngster who could make his debut vs Real Sociedad

Kobbie Mainoo has trained with Manchester United's first-team this week ahead of Thursday's Europa League match against Real Sociedad.

Mainoo played for Cheadle & Gatley junior football club before joining United's academy and the youngster has made stellar progress since joining Travis Binnion’s Under-18 squad last year, establishing himself as one of the Reds' most exciting young talents.

The 17-year-old won the FA Youth Cup last season and he's since been promoted to United's Under-21 side. Mainoo, who was born in Stockport, has been a part of the United youth set-up since the age of nine and signed his first professional contract with the club in May 2022.

ALSO READ: Man United training squad vs Real Sociedad confirmed with Mainoo included

Taking to social media to confirm the news, he wrote: "Happy to sign my first professional contract with @manchesterunited great way to end a successful season." And he's already been earning rave reviews for his performances in a United shirt.

Following a pre-season friendly 2-1 defeat to non-league side Altrincham this summer, commentator Jonny Crowther explained on Twitter that he was "different class". He explained the youngster has a "real chance" as he listed his main attributes of being "big strong quick great touch good shot works hard".

After training with Erik ten Hag's first team squad this week, Mainoo could be in line to be handed his debut against Real Sociedad in Thursday night's Europa League tie.

Name: Kobbie Mainoo

Date of birth: April 19, 2005

Position: Central midfield

Nationality: England

Career history: Mainoo has developed into a creative midfielder after progressing through various age levels of United's youth ranks.

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