Kobbie Mainoo still lives with his dad, loves Nando's and is 'very grounded' after amazing England display
Paul Coyte sport roundup digi 2703.mp4
Kobbie Mainoo is currently in the spotlight after shining on his first England start on Tuesday night.
The 18-year-old looked far older and mature as he impressed at Wembley during the Three Lions' 2-2 draw with Belgium, with Jude Bellingham netting late to earn the hosts a draw.
Mainoo is, in the eyes of many fans, the perfect player to go alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in the middle of the park.
He is already a regular for Manchester United, having been a shining light for the club amid a testing season under Erik ten Hag.
Kobbie Mainoo sparkled for England in their 2-2 draw with Belgium on Tuesday night
GETTY
And Mainoo will be hoping he's done enough to start for England in the European Championships later this summer.
With the teenager the talk of world football, The Sun have spoken to those close to the youngster.
It's said that Mainoo still lives with his father, Felix, in Sale where some residents don't even know who he is.
He also likes dining out at Nando's, father than more expensive restaurants.
And those close to the teenager say he is a 'down-to-earth player' who 'takes everything in his stride'.
His first coach, Steve Care, has told the publication that Mainoo is still 'very grounded'.
“He came from a lovely family — I used to have regular chats with his dad," he recalled.
“I do know Kobbie is still in contact with his old school friends — he hasn’t lost sight of the fact he is very grounded.
“That is probably down to him coming from a loving, very stable family.”
Care also claimed Mainoo was a model professional, even as a youngster.
“He was only here for about a year and he was very good for his age. He found some things too easy," he added.
“It was obvious we needed to test and challenge him more.
“In game situations, he would just run from one end to another and score, so we put in challenges — like he could only score with his weaker foot.
“He was quick and had a really powerful shot for a kid that age.
“He could have won a trophy for best player every week, to be honest, but I would tell him, ‘I am going to give it to someone else this week’ – and he never got upset.”
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Kobbie Mainoo has staked his claim for an England starting berth after shining against Belgium on Tuesday evening
GETTY
One neighbour who does know Mainoo says he comes from a 'nice family' and was 'always a very smiley young boy'.
They're quoted as saying: “He came from a lovely family — I used to have regular chats with his dad.
“I do know Kobbie is still in contact with his old school friends — he hasn’t lost sight of the fact he is very grounded.
“That is probably down to him coming from a loving, very stable family.”
Another neighbour insists Mainoo is destined for the top.
Kobbie Mainoo has been a positive for Manchester United amid a difficult campaign under Erik ten Hag
GETTY
“I’ve known Kobbie and his dad for years," they said.
“Kobbie is a really nice boy from a really nice family – and he’s a really good footballer.
“He’s going to be a star.”
Many top players have burst onto the scene over the years, only to fade into the background.
With Mainoo, however, he looks like a superstar in the making - with both United and England set to benefit.
You may like
