Kobbie Mainoo 'keeping international options open amid England interest'
After catching the eye of Erik ten Hag and Man United supporters during the first half of 2023, Mainoo is beginning to fulfil his potential after an injury-hit first half of the campaign.
The 18-year-old has two goals to show from 14 senior appearances for the Red Devils in the current campaign, opening his account for the 20-time English champions against Newport County in the FA Cup last month.
Just four days after that 4-2 triumph, Mainoo registered his first Premier League goal in dramatic circumstances, scoring a fine solo winner in added time to seal a pulsating 4-3 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The 2005-born fulcrum has now made the first XI in each of Man United's last eight Premier League fixtures, keeping Sofyan Amrabat, Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen at bay to become Casemiro's first-choice midfield partner.
On account of his rise to prominence, Mainoo is thought to be in line for a new and improved deal with the Red Devils, and his international situation is understandably a hot topic as well.
The teenager has already represented England at Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19 level, making his debut for the latter team last March and serving as captain in a 3-2 friendly win over Japan back in November.
Senior head coach Southgate was in attendance to watch Mainoo in Man United's 2-1 triumph over Aston Villa on Sunday, and according to the Daily Star, the England boss wants to see the youngster fast-tracked into the Under-21s.
Lee Carsley's side will take on Azerbaijan and Luxembourg in a pair of European Championship qualifiers next month,
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