Mainoo scoops another accolade
Kobbie Mainoo has picked up another personal accolade, on the back of his breakthrough season at Manchester United.
The Academy graduate has made a huge impact in 2023/24, since only making his senior debut against Everton in November.
He played in all six games of the successful Emirates FA Cup run, starting against Wigan Athletic before scoring his maiden first-team goal in the fourth-round victory away to Newport County.
The midfielder came off the bench in the dramatic late win at Nottingham Forest but had a key role as a starter in the marvellous extra-time victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford in the quarter-finals.
Such an accomplished display on the big stage provided further evidence of his vast potential, and he took the Wembley occasion in his stride when Erik ten Hag's men overcame Coventry City in the penultimate round.
When it came to the final itself, the teenager won the Man-of-the-Match award for a wonderful display throughout the 90 minutes and stoppage time.
Of course, Kobbie scored the eventual winner against Manchester City, as the Reds dashed the Blues' Double hopes and lifted the trophy for the 13th time in our history.
The youngster converted captain Bruno Fernandes's clever pass with a perfect finish past Stefan Ortega to add to Alejandro Garnacho's opener, with Jeremy Doku claiming a late consolation for Pep Guardiola's men.
The first major silverware of Mainoo's career followed his FA Youth Cup glory with his boyhood club, only two years ago.
Mainoo beat off competition, largely from his United team-mates, to win the fan-voted award, with the announcement made on Wednesday.
He also won our Player of the Month prize for May, for his outstanding work of late, and is obviously in the frame for a place in the England squad at Euro 2024. Gareth Southgate has still to finalise his squad, with the Three Lions facing Iceland in their second, and final, warm-up friendly on Friday night.
Introducing your #EmiratesFACup Player of the Season as voted for by you, the fans...@ManUtd's Kobbie Mainoo! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/5GsRBZnLM2
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) June 5, 2024