One To Watch: All you need to know about United starlet Mainoo

Erik ten Hag has taken a shine towards Kobbie Mainoo.

The 18-year-old midfielder trained with Manchester United's first team following last year's World Cup and has subsequently been handed another chance to impress during pre-season by the Dutch tactician.

After an eye-catching 45-minutes against Arsenal, Mainoo was given a start against the mighty Real Madrid in Houston but limped off after just five minutes with a nasty-looking injury.

Despite that bitter blow, we take a closer look at a teenager with a very bright future.

Academy ace

Stockport-born Mainoo has been in United's youth ranks since the age of nine.

He played a key role in the Red Devils' FA Youth Cup-winning side in 2021-22 and last season began to make his presence felt at a senior level.

Impressive EFL Trophy performances prompted Ten Hag to bring him into first-team training last October and he was soon a semi-regular presence on United's bench.

A memorable second half of the season saw Mainoo make both his senior debut in the Carabao Cup quarter-final with Charlton, as well as his Premier League bow against Leicester.

Taking his chance

Most expected Mainoo to be farmed out on loan this term but Ten Hag clearly had other ideas.

To date, he has featured in all four of United's pre-season friendlies and not looked out of place — although his recent injury looks set to curtail his run in the side.

United legend Denis Irwin was quick to heap praise on Mainoo after he registered an assist against the Gunners last weekend.

The Irish icon said: "He's had a fantastic game, Kobbie. Brave, good on the ball.

"It's not just the assist, the defensive work as well. He's got confidence, he looks a real top player."

Injury blow

Sadly, Mainoo's momentum has been checked by the injury he suffered against Los Blancos.

Forced off early in the 2-0 defeat after clashing with Rodrygo, Ten Hag was still unsure on the extent of the issue but seemed to suggest more opportunities are in the offing for the English starlet.

He explained: "We have to wait for what it is. Hopefully it's not too bad and then more chances will come.

"I wanted to see what levels he could play. Against Arsenal, we were pleased with his performance. 

"I wanted to see if he could repeat that some days after and from then, we would have conclusions."

Waiting game

United have further friendly clashes with Borussia Dortmund, Lens and Athletic Bilbao scheduled prior to their Premier League opener against Wolves on August 14. 

If Mainoo's issue is not as bad as first feared, he can expect another chance to stake his claim for a starting spot against Julen Lopetegui's men.

But if he does not regain fitness in time, getting back into United's first-team fold could prove a difficult task once the campaign has begun.

Opportunities are likely to come in the domestic cups either way, though the player himself may see a loan move as more beneficial.

Regardless, this season looks set to be a pivotal one in Mainoo's fledgling career.