KOBBIE MAINOO has been hailed as a potential generational talent – and his talent was identified early.
A fan’s tweet praising Mainoo at aged just 11 has gone viral after the youngster earned his first ever England call-up.
The 18-year-old’s incredible breakthrough season continued after being promoted to Gareth Southgate’s senior squad.
Mainoo is reportedly set to feature for at least one of the upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Brazil at Wembley.
He was initially called up to join England’s Under-21 side, before being bumped up to the main group following his superb performance in United’s 4-3 victory over Liverpool in Sunday’s FA Cup.
Footie fans in general had been left fuming that Mainoo had been overlooked in favour of veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson.
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While other eagle-eyed fans were left stunned after coming across an old tweet from a United supporter commending Mainoo when he was 11 years old.
It came after the aforementioned fan highlighted the performance of the No10 while competing for a Murapol Cup clash against a Polish team in Krakow.
The 2016 post read: “No10 for United looks quite skilful. Any idea who he is?”
A response said: “Kobbie Mainoo, very good player.”
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The resurfaced tweet has since picked up more than 1.2k likes, as supporters replied by congratulating his eye for talent.
Some even joked that he should be employed by the Red Devils for his visionary abilities.
One United supporter account wrote: “Get bro as our director of football.”
A second said: “How do you even recognise that in an 11-year-old?”
Another joked about his fortune telling skills: “Am I going to be rich in the future?”
A third fourth said: “You can’t deny greatness.”
Another declared: “You’re a wizard. You clearly know ball.”
The Stockport-born midfielder qualifies for Ghana through his parents.
Ghana FA Board member Randy Abbey told The Times that they are hopeful of persuading Mainoo to switch his allegiance.
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However, those hopes have faded as England have swooped in offered the teenager a chance to make his senior international debut.
The teenager has previously represented England at U17 through to U19 level – but is yet to be capped at U20 or U21 level.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
