Manchester United fans got to see Kobbie Mainoo get handed his first England cap on Saturday, with an incredible 15-minute cameo.
Kobbie Mainoo made his England debut on Saturday, despite being just 18. However, he showed this is exactly where he belongs and didn’t look a bit out of place.
Manchester United have got an absolute gem on their hands, and now he’s shown it on the international stage despite only being given a 15-minute cameo.
He did more in this short time on the field than the man he replaced and will likely have put himself firmly into Gareth Southgate‘s thinking for the Belgium game next week.
But after his wonderful display, which is a credit to Carrington, fans have been reacting to the debut and one moment of real class in midfield.
Manchester United fans react to Kobbie Mainoo’s England debut
On the latest special night of Mainoo’s young career, he impressed in the famous white of England while taking on Brazil at Wembley.
One moment in particular which left fans gobsmacked was a display of his press-resistant dribbling in the 79th minute.
“Kobbie Mainoo is the TRUTH”, one fan commented in reaction to this clip of Mainoo leaving Wolves’ Joao Gomes in his wake – who could soon be his teammate at United.
In response to the clip above, a second fan wrote: “Kobbie Mainoo is 18 years old and does this 1 minute into his debut… special”.
“Kobbie Mainoo is filthy, England have a star”, a third wrote.
While a fourth added: “This brotha Kobbie Mainoo is way too good…”
Other fans loved the Mainoo’s composure: “Mainoo showed more composure in 15 minutes than [Conor] Gallagher did in 75. The latter was a headless chicken.”
His performance left fans demanding that he starts at the upcoming Euros ahead of Gallagher: “Gallagher completed 24 passes in 75 minutes, whilst Mainoo completed 20 in 15 minutes with 100% pass completion. That’s the control of the ball you need at international level. Start him next to Rice in the Euros.”
Kobbie Mainoo vs Brazil stats
Mainoo may have only played 15 minutes, but that was enough time for him to showcase his incredible ability to a worldwide audience.
Mainoo completed 20 passes after being subbed on, this was 20 of 20 attempts giving him a 100 per cent passing rate with 21 touches as per FotMob.
He completed the only dribble he attempted while also completing one pass into the final third.
Off the ball, he won one duel of two attempts and didn’t have much else to deal with, given the brief nature of his cameo.
Barely putting a foot wrong on his international debut will bode well for his future in an England shirt, which could even see him get a second cap next week against Belgium.