Seeing a young academy
graduate break into the first team of your football club is one of the most wholesome joys as a fan. This Premier League season, we’ve seen some outstanding breakthrough displays from players who, in the last few months, have become household names.
The excitement around Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United had been building for a while but, after picking up an ankle injury in pre-season, United fans had to wait until November to see the 18-year-old make his first league start. It was well worth the wait. In a 3-0 win at Everton, the Stockport-born teenager was awarded man of the match and hasn’t looked back since.