Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo to be fast-tracked into England set-up as FA looks to ward off Ghanaian interest
Kobbie Mainoo will receive his first call-up to the England Under-21 team next month after starring for Manchester United this season.
Mainoo has enjoyed a revolutionary campaign under Erik ten Hagemerging as a rare bright light in a difficult period at Old Trafford.
The 18-year-old started his 10th consecutive game in all competitions to help United win. Aston Villa 2-1 on Sunday.
Mainoo opened its Premier League account after scoring a spectacular winning goal in extra time in a seven-goal thriller against Wolves earlier this month.
The midfielder has represented England at under-17, under-18 and under-19 level but is still closely watched by Ghana, who he qualifies to play for through his parents.
According the daily mailThe FA is aware of the Black Stars' desire to convince Mainoo to change their international alliance.
The report adds that the FA wants Mainoo to take part in the England U21 European Qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Luxembourg.
Young Lions Head Coach Lee Carsley He is said to have been keeping a close eye on the teenager's progress in recent weeks.
Gareth Southgate He oversaw Mainoo's performance at Villa Park last time out and there is confidence he will opt for England instead of Ghana.
He United Academy Graduate He only started his first Premier League game in November, when he dazzled in the 3-0 away victory at Everton.
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United manager Ten Hag recently revealed Mainoo's development and revealed that he hopes he will benefit from playing with casemiro.
He said: “It shows. We miss, for a long period, very important players like Casemiro, like Lisandro Martínez, like Luke Shawalso others.
“We talk about it often, but you see the impact of a player when he is there. Like Casemiro, he gives you calm and composure with the ball, he gives you options, he sees the vertical pass.
“He is always one step ahead of his opponent and breaks lines.
“We only talked about the offense, about how they have to serve, but Casemiro is a very important player for our game, so we are happy that he has returned.
“For Kobbie MainooYou can learn a lot from it and that union, that bond… also, Kobbie is very trainable and Casemiro has a lot of experience.
“Kobbie will learn a lot from it and that may even accelerate his development.
“So yeah, I'm happy to have him back and when they can play together I think they can benefit each other.”
