When you think of players who embody Manchester United and everything our special Academy stands for, Kobbie Mainoo springs to mind.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who rose through the ranks at Carrington as many others before him have, is one of our great 21st-century graduates.
After he shone that night at Salford City in the EFL Trophy, many started to take notice, as a young flower began to blossom in United colours.
An FA Youth Cup winner, it was under Erik ten Hag that the initial seed appeared to sprout, which brings us to the modern day, with Kobbie an FA Cup winner with the Reds and an integral part of Michael Carrick's squad.
Kobbie has now committed his long-term future to the club, giving further proof of his enriching journey that started with our Academy and at Carrington, and now is the time for him to give back.
On a blustery spring day at our training base, Mainoo joined the next generation of Reds and was tasked with a simple job.
Can they recreate some of his best goals so far in an United shirt? A few stellar examples, of course, stick out in most supporters' minds.
Firstly, the late, dramatic, winner at Wolves, as Kobbie danced through the pitch at Molineux, before curling into the bottom corner to secure all three points back in February 2024.
“You've gotta do the knee slide,”
joked Mainoo, when surrounded by our Academy stars.
“Nah, I am only joking,” he adds, as the wholesome video from Carrington plays out.
It is worth noting our no.37 was in the exact same place those featured are now once upon a time, having joined us back in 2014.
Next up is another corker for the kids to have a go at, the brilliant strike at the Stretford End against Liverpool back in April 2024.
It's another example of Kobbie's unique skillset, something everyone around the place is delighted to be able to call upon for years to come.
“This is what I am saying, I don't think I would be able to do it again!”
jokes our Academy graduate in the footage.
Completing the wholesome afternoon with high fives and pictures aplenty, it's an event our young Reds will likely never forget.
For Kobbie, a polite reminder of the journey he has been on, and how his ability, dedication and tireless work has led him to this point.
Be sure to check it out, and scroll down to indulge in more Mainoo magic, as we celebrate him on the day he extended his stay until 2031.