FA confident that Man Utd starlet will pick England over Ghana

Kobbie Mainoo made his first start for Man Utd at Everton (Photo: Getty)

The Football Association are reportedly confident that Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo will choose to represent England and not Ghana at international level.

Mainoo is one of the brightest young talents United have produced in some time, though many fans were yet to watch the 18-year-old in action.

That was until Sunday, when, having recovered from a lengthy injury, he made his first competitive start for the club in a Premier League clash at Everton.

The midfielder performed brilliantly at Goodison Park before being subbed off in the 72nd minute, and was key to his side recording a 3-0 win.

Many, including United captain Bruno Fernandes, felt that Mainoo should have been named Man of the Match, with the skipper saying: ‘He put in a great performance

‘He is comfortable with the ball and never makes a mistake. For his age he has so much qualities. He sees things before others.’

Mainoo ultimately missed out to Alejandro Garnacho after the teenage forward scored the ‘Goal of the Season’.

Mainoo has made 13 appearances for England at youth level (Photo: Getty)

Nevertheless, it is clear he can be an extremely important player for his club – and indeed his country – going forward.

Born in Stockport, Mainoo has already made 13 appearances for England at youth level but is eligible to play for Ghana also.

But, according to the Daily Mail, the FA are not worried about him switching allegiance from the Three Lions to the Black Stars.

In fact, those who have worked with the player at St. George’s Park have described him as being ‘super professional, focused and not a moment’s bother’, and believe he will be fast-tracked to the senior side in no time.

That is great news for Gareth Southgate as Mainoo could develop into the perfect No.8 to play alongside undroppables Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.

No England player has nailed down that position yet, with Conor Gallagher, Jordan Henderson, Kalvin Phillips and right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold the contenders going into next summer’s Euro 2024.

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