Who is Kobbie Mainoo? The Manchester United wonderkid named on the bench against Newcastle United

Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United celebrates scoring a goal to make the score 1-0 with Shola Shoretire (R) during the Premier League 2 match between Manchester United U21 and Brighton & Hove Albion U21 at Leigh Sports Village on October 8, 2022 in Leigh, England.
(Image credit: Tom Purslow/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Manchester United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo is on the bench today for the first time against Newcastle United – and fans are excited.

United have a rich history of producing some of the most thrilling young talents in English football. The club have a long tradition of naming academy graduates in the line-up or on the bench for years, with the likes of David Beckham, Ravel Morrison and Marcus Rashford all turning out for the Red Devils over the years. 

So who's this new kid on the block?

Who is Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo?

Rainy Breinburg of Netherlands U18 competes for the ball with Kobbie Mainoo of England U18 during the U-18 International friendly match between Netherlands U18 and England U18 at Pinatar Arena on September 21, 2022 in Murcia, Spain.

Rainy Breinburg of Netherlands U18 competes for the ball with Kobbie Mainoo of England (Image credit: Silvestre Szpylma/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Stockport-born midfielder Mainoo is just 17 years old and has already made waves as a youngster in the United academy as one of the most exciting products that the club have brought through in recent years.

The youngster has been outstanding for the under-23s and is line for a first start after missing out on the squad for the Europa League midweek. Mainoo is technically gifted and strong for his age on the ball, making him an option either in the midfield pivot or further ahead.

Kobbie Mainoo - 2021/2022 Full Season Highlights ! INSANE Skills, Assists & Goalsá´´á´° - YouTube Kobbie Mainoo - 2021/2022 Full Season Highlights ! INSANE Skills, Assists & Goalsá´´á´° - YouTube
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Now, manager Erik ten Hag says that calling up the teen isn't just a gimmick.

"It’s not experience. It’s about [how] they have to deliver," the 52-year-old Dutchman said. "You are here and to contribute, to the team, to the team’s success, so that’s why he’s here."

Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.