Kobbie Mainoo reaches landmark milestone for Manchester United

Kobbie Mainoo has reached a landmark milestone for boyhood club Manchester United, despite doubts over his future just six months ago.

The 21-year-old has been vital since Michael Carrick’s appointment as interim head coach at Old Trafford, and the upsurge in game time and form has seen him sign a five-year deal at the club.

Following Manchester United’s match against Sunderland in the Premier League, in which Kobbie Mainoo started, the Red Devils’ star boy has reached a landmark figure of 100 appearances at the club.

Under Michael Carrick, Mainoo has started 15 of 16 games, becoming an integral part of the side that has achieved UEFA Champions League qualification. Following a period of uncertainty for the youngster, who was not favoured by Carrick’s predecessor, Ruben Amorim, Mainoo has excelled.

From being linked with a move away from the club amid rising tensions to signing a bumper new five-year deal, Mainoo’s stint at the club has already featured plenty of drama.

Reaching 100 games is an extraordinary feat for the youngster, who at just 21 years of age is already one of the most experienced Premier League players in the United side.

Across those 100 appearances, Mainoo has scored eight goals, including two match-winners at Old Trafford against Liverpool, that will go down in the derby’s folklore.

His contributions for Manchester United have seen him awarded with several England national team call-ups. Mainoo even started in the UEFA European Championships Final against Spain in 2024.

Mainoo’s time at Manchester United has only just begun, and to have so many games under his belt at such a young age shows he could be the centrepiece for the new era the club is set to embark on.

Whichever manager is at the wheel at Old Trafford, be it Michael Carrick or not, they should be making sure Kobbie Mainoo is front and centre of their plans – he is truly a generational talent.