'Generational talent' – Manchester United and England star Kobbie Mainoo was wanted by Juventus to be the 'next Paul Pogba'

06/27/2024 03:45 AM

Kobbie Mainoo’s rapid rise to the top may have surprised some fans – but he’s been on the radar of Europe’s elite for years.

He’s still only 19, but is in the England squad at Euro 2024 and has been tipped to start in the knockout stages.

The Manchester United starlet marked himself as a future world-beater when he was only 11, with Juventus among the clubs interested in ‘the next Paul Pogba.’

Mainoo continued his stunning breakthrough by picking up the man-of-the-match trophy on his first England start in March’s 2-2 draw with Belgium.

The teenager, who has made 35 appearances in his first full season for the Red Devils and is an FA Cup winner, is now a five-cap Three Lions international.

Mainoo was not expected to be huge feature in Germany this summer, but he shined after coming on in England’s final group game against Slovenia.

His former coach spotted his potential from an early age, but European heavyweights got their first glimpse of his talent at 11-years-old.

Pawel Klama watched Mainoo as Man United’s No.10 in a Murapol Cup clash against Polish team Akademia Pilkarska Wisly Krakow in 2016.

However, the Polish sports journalist was already familiar with the youngster’s ability following his standout showings in Warsaw.

United‘s U11's lifted the Legia Cup in 2015, with a young Mainoo winning the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.

And it led Juventus, who finished runners-up behind United, keen to poach another midfield maestro away from Carrington having lured Pogba to Turin three years earlier.

In an exclusive interview with talkSPORT.com, Klama recalled: “During the Legia Cup he caught the attention of many people.

“From the tournament observers to the organisers, to the staffs of other teams, including Juventus, where the coaches themselves asked if I knew anything more about him.

“They were interested in him, but that’s pretty much it.

“Most of the teams were impressed by him, how he plays, how mature he is at this stage of learning how to play football.

“Whether there was any interest at a later stage, I don’t know.”

Klama continued: “What distinguished him at this age – at the U11 team level – he was self-confident. He had no fear of playing 1 vs. 2, or even 1 vs. 3.

“He played great with the ball at his feet and had a definitely outstanding technique.

“However, what attracted attention the most was how he led the team at such a young age, he was, I don’t want to call him a leader, but the other boys listened to him. it was obvious that he had something.

“He was definitely one of those young boys who immediately attracted attention, and as I have been observing the Manchester academy for almost 15 years, he is for sure one of the most generational talents in the academy.

“We all know about the Class of 92', but honestly I’ve never seen then or now a kiddo like him.”

Unlike Pogba, Stockport-born Mainoo remained with United and rose through the club’s academy to establish himself in the team.

Former United star-turned-Nottingham Forest man Anthony Elanga was among the people to liken Mainoo to Pogba last year.

However, following his England breakthrough, the 18-year-old has fittingly been compared to one of the greatest United players to pull on a Three Lions shirt.

Klama added to talkSPORT.com: “Now he will be in the spotlight and he will have to deal with it, cope with pressure, recognition, fame.

“I believe he will cope with all that matters. many compare him to Pogba, but when it comes to possibilities, self-confidence, and character – I would rather compare him to [David] Beckham.”

Now, he’s ready for whatever England boss Gareth Southgate throws at him at Euro 2024.

"Me and Cole [Palmer], we're ready," he told ITV. "Ready for whenever we're called upon, like the rest of the lads are. We train hard and then when we get our chances we try and impress so we can start and try and help the team as much as possible.

"I love football and I love playing, anyone who is on the bench wants to come on the pitch."