I trained with Kobbie Mainoo and thought he was a trialist – two years later he’s a Man United and England star
### Kobbie Mainoo: From Unknown Trialist to Man United and England Star
Two years ago, Kobbie Mainoo was just another young talent gaining experience, sent out by Manchester United to train with Sheffield Wednesday. Today, he’s on the verge of starting for England at the European Championship, having already made his mark at Old Trafford.
#### A Fairytale Rise
Mainoo, now 19, is living the dream after being included in England’s final 26-man squad for the European Championship. He hopes to start in their tournament opener against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen next Sunday evening. If given the nod by Gareth Southgate, it would mark his first competitive start for his country on the grand stage of a major tournament.
Given his England debut as recently as March, starting in Germany would cap off an extraordinary season for the young midfielder. He recently scored the decisive goal in the FA Cup final, adding another highlight to his burgeoning career.
#### Early Signs of Greatness
Mainoo’s journey to the top began at a young age. Steve Vare, involved with Stockport’s Cheadle and Gatley club, remembers Mainoo’s talent vividly: “At age five, he was a standout player by a mile. It was all a bit too easy for him, and I had to make it more challenging.”
By age nine, Mainoo had joined Manchester United’s youth ranks. His talent was evident as he helped United’s Under-18s win the FA Youth Cup in 2022, playing in front of 67,492 fans. His performance in the 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest, alongside Alejandro Garnacho, solidified his status as a promising talent.
#### The Pro Experience Programme
Recognizing his potential, Manchester United ensured Mainoo benefitted from the Pro Experience Programme, launched in October 2021. This innovative scheme allowed young players to join EFL clubs for work experience, training with first-team squads to gain invaluable insight and experience.
Mainoo joined Sheffield Wednesday, then a League One club, under this program. Alongside Charlie McNeill and Dillon Hoogewerf, he spent time training with seasoned professionals. His presence wasn’t widely known until much later when Wednesday forward Josh Windass revealed Mainoo had trained with them.
#### Impressing at Sheffield Wednesday
Windass, recalling his first impression of Mainoo, said: “He came to Sheffield Wednesday two seasons ago for about three weeks. He was serious. We thought he was on trial, but he was too good to be a trialist. Normally, trialists aren’t very good, but he was a decent player. We wondered where he went after he disappeared.”
Windass’s remarks highlight Mainoo’s talent and the impression he left during his short stint. He trained with the first team every day, holding his own against seasoned League One players.
#### From Work Experience to Stardom
Mainoo’s work experience stint was a crucial part of his development, preparing him for the rigors of top-flight football. Now a regular starter at Manchester United, he dreams of replicating his success with the England national team. Southgate has praised Mainoo ahead of the European Championship, and his inclusion in the squad speaks volumes about his potential.
If Mainoo does start alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in England’s midfield, it will be a testament to his hard work and maturity. Those who have watched his rise are well aware of his special talent.
#### Looking Ahead
As Arsenal legend Jens Lehmann once pointed out, leadership and personality are crucial in football. Mainoo has shown both in abundance, proving his worth at every level. As he prepares for a potential starting role in the European Championship, his story serves as an inspiration.
Kobbie Mainoo’s journey from an unknown trialist to a star for Manchester United and England is a remarkable tale of talent, hard work, and determination. With a bright future ahead, he stands as a beacon of what can be achieved through perseverance and dedication.
