Man Utd starlet Kobbie Mainoo's body transformation after shocking coaches as fans gush 'he's going straight to the top' | The Sun
MANCHESTER UNITED starlet Kobbie Mainoo has undergone a dramatic body transformation in recent years.
The 18-year-old academy product has been slowly phased into the first-team by manager Erik ten Hag this season.
Mainoo has shown composure and skill well beyond his years, so much so that segments of the Old Trafford faithful have called on Ten Hag to regularly start him.
One United fan claimed "he's going straight to the top" after seeing him turn in a solid display.
The teenager hasn't looked out of place and already looks capable of handling the physical demands of his position.
His strength is the result of gruelling workouts and a nutritious diet, which have well and truly done away with his once "wiry" frame.
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Mainoo's transformation over the years has stunned many, including Cheadle and FC Gately's academy chief Steve Vare – who has known him since the tender age of five.
He told the Manchester Evening News: "I went to the Youth Cup final. He’s almost unrecognisable.
"As he’s a big lad now and he was only tiny when he was at Cheadle and Gatley.
"My description of him at the time was wiry, he was really strong and very quick off the mark.
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"He was one of those that pushed the ball past a player and he would be electric, in terms of how he could spring forward.
"He's a tall lad now and I thought he had a really great game against Nottingham Forest in the Youth Cup final.
"I sometimes wind my kids up by saying I coached him and they say 'only for a short space of time'.
"Cheadle and Gatley obviously only played a small part in his development and as with anything in grassroots, it’s just a foundation for the youngsters.
"But everyone at Cheadle and Gatley are absolutely delighted for him and it's great to see him doing so well."
Mainoo's best performance in a United shirt came in their 3-0 win over relegation battlers Everton last weekend.
And his recent displays have Red Devils legend Paul Scholes convinced he should be given a prolonged run in the team.
Speaking after United's 3-3 draw with Galatasaray, he said: "I think Mainoo needs a run in the team.
"And from what we saw at Everton on Sunday, I think now it’s time to give him a chance.
"This back four, they need protecting. No one senses danger as much as this young lad.
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"On Sunday, in a hostile atmosphere, he looked the real deal. I don’t see anyone else being able to protect the back four like he can do."
Mainoo and his United team-mate's will be back in action on Saturday night, travelling to St James' Park to take on Newcastle.
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