29 November 2023 , 10:57
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The Football Association are confident England youth international Kobbie Mainoo won't switch his allegiance.
Mainoo, 18, made his first Premier League start for Manchester United in their 3-0 win against Everton last Sunday. The teenage midfielder was praised by several pundits - including Gary Neville and Roy Keane - and could become a regular at Old Trafford.
Mainoo was born in Stockport and has represented England at U17, U18 and U19 levels - with an U21 call up on the horizon. But he's eligible to play for Ghana, who could hand him a senior call up sooner that England. That's left FA chiefs feeling nervy.
Several players have switched their international allegiance from England in recent years, including those who had won major honours at youth level. Lukas Nmecha and Jamal Musiala - who now represent Germany - are among those to quit the Three Lions.
Despite Ghana's interest in Mainoo, the FA are confident he will commit to the country of his birth. That's according to the Daily Mail, who note how Mainoo is admired among England's youth coaches and is on the path to becoming a full international.
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Losing the players to other countries is something the FA live in fear of. Other former England youth internationals playing for other countries include Ben Brereton Diaz (Chile), Tariq Lamptey (Ghana), Demarai Gray (Jamaica) and Ademola Lookman (Nigeria).
England fans would be gutted to lose Mainoo after his display against Everton. "There's an 18-year-old out there who looks more composed than anyone," said Neville on commentary. "Mainoo has been Manchester United's best player by a street."
Mainoo was one of Manchester United's best players against Everton (Getty Images)What did you make of Kobbie Mainoo's performance against Manchester United? Let us know in the comments below!
Neville also said Mainoo was "brilliant" and described him as United's "standout performer" at Goodison Park. Roy Keane agreed with Neville. He added at full-time: "(He was) unbelievable. We don't want to get too carried away, but I'm sure we will.
"He looked like he always had time on the ball today, his decision-making, in terms of when to go long when to go short, in terms of off the ball as well. What an all-round performance. The club obviously think highly of him... for the manager to put him in."
Keane continued: "Good luck to the kid. He was outstanding. It's a great start for him. Let's hope he stays injury-free and gets a run of games for Man Utd because he looked a Man Utd type of player. Nice and brave, lots of courage. I loved watching him."
United skipper Bruno Fernandes also praised Mainoo after last Sunday's game. He said: "Great game - for me man of the match, a great performance and secure on the ball and never puts a foot wrong. He is always ready to help, for his age he has too much quality."