IT turns out Kobbie Mainoo is as cool and calm off the pitch as he is on it.
In just six months Mainoo has gone from relative unknown to Manchester United regular and a member of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.
Sidelined at the start of the season with an injury, which kept him out for four months, Mainoo only played his first game of the season in late November, but has enjoyed a remarkable rise.
“Back then I wasn’t even thinking about England,” said Mainoo, speaking at United’s training complex ahead of today’s FA Cup final.
“I was just thinking about getting fit and getting back in the squad, not even the starting lineup. So to be here now, I wouldn’t have dreamed it.”
But the 19-year-old is not fazed by his new high-profile status, even though it means he can no longer pop to the local shop without requests for selfies and autographs.
“A lot more people know my name now,” said Mainoo, who was born in Stockport, like Manchester City rival and England team-mate Phil Foden.
“But at home with the family I have around me, they very much keep me grounded and nothing changes at home.
Denne historien er fra May 25, 2024-utgaven av Daily Star.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May 25, 2024-utgaven av Daily Star.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
MISSION: POSSIBLE
Walter's got the Tigers roaring again thanks to winning run
Pass the ball not the buck
UNITED STARS SHOULD KEEP RUUD OPINIONS TO THEMSELVES
MUCH BATTER
Crawley's fit and ready to let rip on return
Boffs don't know glass from elbow
SPOONS TIM BEER FURY
Rooms with a woooo!
'HAUNTED' HOUSE BACK ON MARKET
PHONE MESSAGING DOING HEADS PING
146 alerts a day getting in way of working
KEY JOBS FOR CAR THIEVES..
Crooks car firm 'insiders'
£200k owl found
31-YEAR HUNT FOR BIRD OVER
Crutches Nick: I can't quickstep
KNOWLES OUT WITH KNEE INJURY
SuperCONic
SCAMMERS SELL FAKE TICKETS TO BAND'S U.S GIGS