THE TEEN MACHINE!

Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo has set the footballing world alight with his dazzling displays

- SIPHOKAZI ZAMA

ALMOST freakishly mature for his age. Absurdly gifted. A player who uses his mind and heart when he steps onto the field.

Praise like this has been lauded over one of the brightest newbies in football this season – and he’s just a teenager.

If Kobbie Mainoo carries on playing the way he is, experts say he could be one of the greatest finds in a game studded with superstars.

The rise of the Manchester United wonderboy has been nothing short of supersonic. He progressed from the Red Devils’ under-16 side and joined the under-18 squad in 2021 before being drafted into the main team a year later.

He became the youngest player to start in the centre of midfield when he made his Premier League debut last year against Liverpool at the age of 18 years, seven months and seven days.

Now he’s enjoying a breakout 2023-24 campaign, earning player of the match on his Premier League debut, scoring a winner away to Wolves, a fiery goal against rivals Liverpool and making his senior England debut. His recent zinger against The Reds will go down as a career highlight, Kobbie says. “I mean, of course – it’s an unbelievable feeling, my first professional Old Trafford goal.”

Man U coach Erik ten Hag is delighted with his star, who turned 19 on 19 April. “What he brings to the team is his composure and his game understanding,” he says. “He has the personality. That’s what you need if you want to play here.”

Alan Shearer, former Barcelona and Tottenham striker, also has high praise for Kobbie. “He’s just 19 but it’s not just his performance on the field but also his post-match interview.