Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo being monitored by England – Gareth Southgate


Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is being monitored for a senior international call-up by England manager Gareth Southgate.

Mainoo, 18, has been capped by England up to Under-19 level but is also eligible to represent Ghana.

“He’s doing brilliantly,” the England manager said after Thursday’s Nations League draw in Paris. “I’m not certain he’s necessarily going to be a defensive midfielder, as such.

“He’s quite a progressive player but he’s had a fabulous start to his career and it will be good to monitor him as we go forward.”

The central midfielder has enjoyed a breakthrough season at United despite a foot injury ruling him out of action in the early months of the campaign.

Mainoo has started nine Premier League matches for Erik ten Hag’s side since late November and scored the late winning goal in a 4-3 victory over Wolves earlier this month while also scoring against Newport County in the FA Cup.

Ghana FA executive council member Randy Abbey told The Times earlier this month on Mainoo: “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.”

Ghana have previously persuaded Brighton & Hove Albion full-back Tariq Lamptey — who had represented England at Under-21 level — to switch international allegiance.

Nottingham Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi and Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah are also eligible to play for Ghana, despite having both been capped by England at senior level.

Both players can still switch to Ghana as FIFA rules state that due to their ages and not having played in more than three international fixtures.

GO DEEPER

Kobbie Mainoo: Serenity in a storm

(Naomi Baker/Getty Images)





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