Mainoo played a key role in United’s FA Youth Cup success last season (Picture: Getty)
Kobbie Mainoo is eager for Manchester United chances after receiving his first call-up to Erik ten Hag’s senior squad.
With Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen missing through suspension and illness respectively, Mainoo was named among the substitutes for Sunday’s stalemate against Newcastle United.
The 17-year-old was promoted to first-team training earlier this month after continuing to impress for the Under-23 side.
While a tight and ultimately frustrating contest against Newcastle ensured he remained among the subs, the midfield talent is hoping for more opportunities soon.
‘Good to be around it yesterday [Sunday],’ he wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of himself warming up at Old Trafford. ‘Hopefully more to come.’
Ten Hag was quick to stress before kick-off on Sunday that Mainoo was not on the bench merely to fill out the squad, insisting he was ready to come on if called upon.
Speaking to MUTV before kick-off, Ten Hag said: ‘But it’s not [just] experience. It’s about they have to deliver,’ said Ten Hag.
‘You are here and to contribute, to the team, to the team’s success, so that’s why he’s here.’
Mainoo impressed as United won the FA Youth Cup last season, with the teenager scoring twice on the way to the final against Nottingham Forest.
He’s continued his fine form this season and caught Ten Hag’s eye in a Papa John’s Trophy win against Carlisle earlier this term.
United are back in action on Wednesday night when they take on Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Anthony Martial will miss out once again due to a back injury suffered early on in the win over Everton but Christian Eriksen could be available to feature against his former side.
‘Anthony Martial is not available,’ ten Hag told a press conference on Tuesday. ‘[With Christian] Eriksen, we have to wait. He was just on the pitch. We have to see how he recovers from that and then we will make a decision tomorrow.’
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MORE : Manchester United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo named on bench against Newcastle United
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The 17-year-old starred for United’s youth sides.