‘CLUTTCCHHHH!!!’
Just when it looked as if Manchester United were about to dunk another winning position in the bin, 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo saved the day (and all three points).
On Thursday night, United beat Wolves 4-3 in a remarkable game at Molineux. After having led 2-0 and 3-1, the Red Devils conceded a 95th minute equaliser to seemingly throw away the three points. But just two minutes later, in the seventh minute of stoppage time, Mainoo scored a wonderful goal to put United back ahead and secure the win.
Taking the ball from fellow United teenager, Omari Forson, the midfielder cruised by two Wolves players and curled the winner past Josè Sa. It led to wild celebrations from the United supporters, and players. On Instagram, two Premier League rivals of Mainoo (albeit with United connections) were caught up in it all.
Sergio Reguilòn, who was on loan at United earlier in the season, declared, ‘What a f***ing player’ while Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga shared a GIF of LA Lakers legend Kobe Bryant sinking a clutch basket.
Following the game, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes spoke of how everyone at the club could see Kobbie Mainoo the assured Premier League star coming from a distance out.
Mainoo himself told TNT Sports he was still ‘in a dream’ after his match-winner.
Alex Ferguson couldn’t believe Kobbie Mainoo winner
Kobbie Mainoo left Alex Ferguson in disbelief after the youngster scored a ‘Fergie time’ winner for Manchester United.
It was Mainoo’s first Premier League goal for the club on only his 11th senior appearance, and the teen sensation is quickly becoming a beacon of hope for United and their fans in a barren season.
Watching on in the stands was club legend Alex Ferguson, whose United teams were well known for their late goals in ‘Fergie time.’ The Scot appeared to be delighted and stunned, in equal measure after watching the drama unfold.
Speaking after the game, Kobbie Mainoo said it was a “dream come true” to score the winner. He told TNT Sports:
“I have still not come down from it. I still feel like I am dreaming to be honest. To start playing in the Premier League for my boyhood club has been amazing. Now it’s about trying to win more games.”
The teenager’s performance led to comparisons between the English midfielder and the great Clarence Seedorf from Rio Ferdinand.
The former Man United defender said on TNT Sports: “One minute I’m on the floor and then Kobbie Mainoo produces a moment that we have seen in the academy before. He has translated that into senior football and he deserves his flowers.
“The composure that this kid shows at this level stands out immensely in his game. In the youth team he has always looked like a class player, and to translate that into the first team without an issue is the sign of someone who has a bright future. He understands the standards that are set here and the history and everything.
“I’m not saying he is the same player or of the same ability but he gives me vibes of Clarence Seedorf. The way he can manoeuvre in tight situations and the way he manipulates the ball and uses his body at times. Elusive as well. Some people see the headlines and he just caresses it.”
Related links:
- “We didn’t speak for about 12 month” – Roy Keane on old dressing room rows at United
- Roy Keane sticks up for Marcus Rashford as he calls a spade a spade on Belfast session
- Roy Keane on the Man United player who didn’t like international duty
