Not a lot has gone right for Manchester United this season. In the board room, the takeover by Sir Jim Ratcliffe rumbled on for far too many months, while performances on the pitch were not coming close to inspiring fans on a consistent basis. But despite all that, there has been one outstanding positive to come out of the season so far, and it comes in the form of an 18-year-old kid named Kobbie Boateng Mainoo.

Dazzling debut

Mainoo recently made his England debut against Brazil and did not look fazed when he replaced Conor Gallagher in the 75th minute. Just three days later, the Manchester United youth team graduate made his first England start against Belgium and it was in these 74 minutes that Mainoo really stated his claim to be part of the England squad for Euro 2024.

Mainoo boasted impressive statistics during his time on the pitch. He had a pass completion of 89%, created two chances and could even have bagged his first England goal when he popped up at the far post to force a good save from Sels. The chance was indicative of Mainoo’s play on the night. He provided an industrious link between defence and attack, was willing to put in the hard yards tracking back and broke the lines well with his close control dribbling and precise passing.

Mature Mainoo a must?

Despite his scintillating performance on his full debut, there is still some debate as to whether Mainoo should go to a major tournament at his tender age. The arguments are compelling. While he is only 18 years old, the performances Mainoo has put in when wearing the red of Manchester United proves that he has a maturity beyond his ages. His performances have even led to speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid.

Mainoo further displayed his maturity in a recent match against arch-rivals, Liverpool. In a thrilling 2-2 draw, hot off the back of the incredible 4-3 (AET) FA Cup win for Manchester United over the same opposition, Mainoo was a constant menace and scored a spectacular curling effort to put his team into the lead. His ability to come up with important goals could also be an argument for him making the squad for Germany. Earlier in the season, Mainoo also conjured up a 97th minute winner against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Euro 2024 odds have England as favourites to win the tournament, and that is without taking the influence of Kobbie Mainoo into consideration. Judging by his performances against top class opposition in Brazil and Belgium, there is plenty of reason to think Mainoo could boost England’s chances further. But at the tender age of 18, this prestigious talent from Stockport will know he has many tournaments ahead of him if he does not make the plane to Germany.