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Manchester United have suffered a wretched season with Erik ten Hag’s men looking likely to miss out on qualification for European competitions altogether next season.
The majority of Ten Hag’s squad have underperformed badly throughout the campaign, leading to a record 13 losses in the league and an embarrassing early exit from the Champions League.
However, one plus point from the season has been the emergence of young midfielder, Kobbie Mainoo.
Mainoo has been a mainstay in the starting XI since his first game of the season at Goodison Park in November, excelling in the middle of the park despite the team’s poor form all around him.
His wonderful breakthrough campaign has not gone unnoticed, with United’s No 37 getting nominated for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award.
Proud ❤️🔥
Kobbie Mainoo is among the nominees for the @PremierLeague‘s Young Player of the Season award 🫡#MUFC || #PL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 9, 2024
The Englishman grabbed his first goal for his boyhood club in the third round of the FA Cup against Newport, following it up with a couple of stunning strikes in the Premier League.
His ridiculous stoppage-time winner in the pulsating 4-3 win against Wolves won the Premier League Goal of the Month award for February, showcasing all of his attributes with a stunning run and finish.
Mainoo then put United ahead in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Old Trafford, his outstanding curling effort ensured a point and helped put an end to the old enemy’s title hopes in the process.
The academy product also made his bow for England in a friendly against Brazil at Wembley, impressing on the big stage and now looking a certainty for the Three Lions squad for the Euros in the summer.
Alongside his incredible talent with the ball, Mainoo’s temperament is perhaps the most impressive thing about the young man.
At just 19, Mainoo’s composure in possession and unflappable nature under pressure will be key to him starring for United for many years to come.
It’s imperative United now build their midfield around the new star and with a summer of changes expected at the club, tying Mainoo down to a long term contract should be high on the INEOS to-do-list.
Winning the prestigious award would be the icing on the cake after a wonderful breakthrough campaign but the United man does face stiff competition for the gong.
Manchester City pair, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland will be among the favourites with Chelsea’s Cole Palmer also in the running.
Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, Tottenham Hotspur’s Destiny Udogie and Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and William Saliba make up the remaining nominees.
Whatever the outcome, Mainoo has every reason to be delighted with his work this season and will hope to finish it off by lifting the FA Cup at the end of the month.
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