I coached Kobbie Mainoo and Manchester United star shares one trait with world's best
20.03.2024 - 21:43
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manchester United's academy chief Nick Cox has identified the personality trait that Kobbie Mainoo shares with the best players in the world.
Mainoo is enjoying his breakthrough season at United, having made 23 appearances for the club this term. The 18-year-old has been handed a regular spot in the first-team squad by manager Erik ten Hag this season, after handing him his senior debut in January last year.
This week saw Mainoo called up to Gareth Southgate's England squad for the first time, as the Three Lions have friendly fixtures against Brazil and Belgium. Mainoo had originally been selected for the Under-21 squad before being added to the senior squad this week.
Mainoo's performances have not come as a surprise to the coaching staff at United's academy. Cox has helped oversee the teenager's development with the youth teams at Carrington, and has explained the talent that the United midfielder possesses that puts him alongside the best in the world - his ability to 'play with a joy and freedom'.
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"Our fans are naturally really supportive of the young players and give them great encouragement, but ultimately, you’ve got to show you’re deserving of being in the team," Cox told United's club website. "The manager is quite vocal about the fact that he doesn’t do favours; you have to earn it and you only get there because you deserve it. For Kobbie to be doing what he’s doing, without work experience or a loan, is amazing.
"Our programme is designed to nurture that childhood love of the game and not be a professional too