Kobbie Mainoo: from oblivion to nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award
By OnzeActu · · 2 min read
After a complicated start to the season at Manchester United where he was confined to the bench, Kobbie Mainoo became a pillar of the starting eleven under Michael Carrick. This progress allowed him to join the selection for the World Cup and to be nominated for the prestigious PFA Young Player of the Year award.
Considered a player on the fringes at Manchester United at the start of the season, Kobbie Mainoo was then left on the bench by manager Ruben Amorim, absent from the first starts against Arsenal and Fulham, then only used in the second half during the victory against Burnley at the end of August. Fearing for his chances of joining the World Cup selection, the young 21-year-old midfielder even requested a loan, notably requested by Naples, a request quickly rejected by his club. However, the situation changed when Michael Carrick took temporary charge of the team heading into the new year. With the exception of one match against Leeds, Manhoo was fielded in all starting lineups until the end of the season, benefiting in particular from the departure of Amorim and the system which placed him in competition with captain Bruno Fernandes for a position in the middle. This rise allowed him to establish himself sufficiently to join Thomas Tuchel's group for the World Cup. In recognition of his remarkable performances, Mainoo is now among six finalists for the PFA Young Player of the Year award, the winner of which will be announced in August in Manchester. This journey clearly illustrates that the tactical system and the confidence of the coach can radically influence the career of a talented player, as evidenced by the rise to power of Mainoo after a complicated start.