Gareth Southgate, the manager of the England national team, is keen on fending off Ghana’s interest in Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
In light of Mainoo’s impressive performance during his Premier League debut against Everton on Sunday, England is eager to secure the young player’s commitment to the Three Lions.
Despite having represented England at the U17, U18, and U19 levels, Mainoo still has the option to play for Ghana due to his parents’ nationality. Following his outstanding display in Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over Everton, there has been a surge of interest in Mainoo’s international allegiance.
Renowned figures such as Manchester United legend Gary Neville and teammate Bruno Fernandes have lauded Mainoo’s exceptional performance. Neville even went as far as describing it as “outstanding,” while Fernandes named him the Man of the Match.
The young talent exhibited remarkable composure, quality, and vision on the field. Born in England to Ghanaian parents, Mainoo now faces a crucial decision regarding his international future, with both England and Ghana vying for his allegiance.
As the debate surrounding his potential international choice gains momentum, England’s manager, Southgate, is determined to secure Mainoo’s commitment and ensure his inclusion in the English squad. The midfielder’s dual eligibility adds an intriguing dimension to his promising football journey.
The midfielder is set to have discussions with the England manager, as reported by the Daily Star. The aim is to convince him to continue representing his home country rather than opting for Ghana, which has shown interest in recruiting him for the Black Stars. In fact, Mainoo might even be expedited into Lee Carsley’s England U21 team to accelerate the decision-making process.
In May 2022, Mainoo signed his inaugural professional contract with Manchester United. His exceptional performances, including an impressive midfield display against Carlisle United in the EFL Trophy, led to his selection for senior squad training in October 2022. On October 16, he was named on the bench for the first time, ahead of a Premier League match against Newcastle United.
Mainoo’s competitive debut took place on January 10, 2023, when he started in a 3–0 victory over Charlton Athletic in the EFL Cup. He then made his league debut on 19, coming on as a substitute in a 3–0 win against Leicester City.
During Manchester United’s pre-season tour in the United States for the 2023–24 season, Mainoo accompanied the squad. Unfortunately, he sustained an injury that kept him out of play at the beginning of the upcoming season. However, upon his return from injury, Mainoo made his first competitive start for Manchester United on November 26, 2023, contributing to a 3–0 Premier League triumph away at Everton.
