04 February 2024 , 08:44
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Ghana are trying to convince Kobbie Mainoo to snub England and represent the African nation after impressing in his breakthrough Manchester United campaign.
The 18-year-old, who joined the club's academy almost a decade ago, signed his first professional contract in May 2022 and made his senior debut last January in the Carabao Cup against Charlton. Mainoo was handed his first Premier League start as United ran out 3-0 winners against Everton in November.
He has since become an important member of Erik ten Hag's first-team squad, starting the last eight matches, including Thursday's 4-3 victory at Wolves, where Mainoo produced a moment of magic to score a 97th-minute winner, as his low drive found the corner for his second goal in four days.
Mainoo has been described as a "generational talent" by team-mate Rasmus Hojlund and his progression has not gone unnoticed in Ghana, who are attempting to persuade him to switch allegiances. Born in Stockport, Mainoo has represented England at three different age groups but his parents are of Ghanaian heritage.
Speaking to The Times, Randy Abbey, who is a member of the executive council of the Ghana FA, said: "The Ghana Football Association is interested in monitoring, attracting, and persuading all eligible talents for its various national teams. Kobbie is definitely one of these incredible talents, and the association would love to work with him and many like him at home and abroad."
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Ghana endured a disastrous Africa Cup of Nations campaign and crashed out at the first hurdle after failing to qualify from their group. Having lost their first game against Cape Verde, Ghana were held to a 2-2 draw by Egypt before falling apart in their final group match against Mozambique.
Kobbie Mainoo after scoring his first Premier League goal on ThursdayThe Black Stars were on the verge of progressing to the last 16 after racing into a two-goal lead thanks to Jordan Ayew's brace. However, Mozambique scored twice in stoppage-time to leave Ghana third and needing other results to go their way. Unfortunately for Ghana, they finished outside the four best third-place teams and suffered an early exit from a tournament they last won back in 1982.
As for Mainoo, the teenage sensational has already been linked with a shock call-up to Gareth Southgate's England squad ahead of Euro 2024. Mainoo is yet to earn his first England cap but he could be in contention for the next Three Lions squad as they prepare to face Brazil and Belgium in March.
"It is a dream come true," Mainoo said after netting his first Premier League goal on Thursday. "I have still not come down from it. I still feel like I am dreaming to be honest. To start playing in the Premier League for my boyhood club has been amazing. Now it's about trying to win more games."