When Kobbie Mainoo shared an old picture of himself wearing a vintage Premier League rival’s shirt, people were taken aback.
On Saturday, the Manchester United midfielder celebrated his 20th birthday on Instagram.
Mainoo, a native of Stockport, enrolled in the team’s academy at the age of nine. He is well-known for being a Red Devils fan from his youth, as evidenced by the old pictures he shared of himself wearing United uniforms.
However, in his most recent social media image, he was wearing an away Tottenham uniform from 1996–1997, with the remark, “20!” Blessed.
When the kid Mainoo was spotted sporting a Spurs uniform, fans swiftly expressed their shock.
“Why is Kobbie Mainoo wearing a 96/97 Spurs shirt?” a supporter questioned on X. believed that he was one of us.
‘What is he doing in a spurs shirt?’ replied a third.
The Carrington graduate was probably wearing the uniform for a tournament or academy tryout rather than out of any Spurs loyalty, as evidenced by the fact that a child behind Mainoo is visible in the picture sporting the same outfit.
Since his January 2023 senior debut, Mainoo has appeared in 63 games for United and scored seven goals.
Since his quick ascent to the top of football, which included starting for England in their loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final and scoring for United in their FA Cup final victory over rivals Man City last year, he has become one of the most fascinating young stars in Europe.
However, United and Mainoo’s representation have been unable to come to an agreement in contract negotiations, warning Europe’s top clubs that he may be sold at the end of the current campaign.
If Mainoo left Old Trafford, Chelsea is in the lead to sign him in a spectacular deal, according to a previous report from Mail Sport.
If he is unable to agree to new terms, Chelsea is prepared to move for him, but they will have competition from Premier League rivals and international teams.
United is still holding out hope that a deal can be struck to retain their £65 million homegrown hero.
Mainoo’s contract with United expires in June 2027, but he is reportedly looking for a new deal worth about £200,000 per week, including bonuses, that would reflect his status as a fixture in the first team and a seasoned England international.
It is also believed to be Chelsea’s maximum salary in order to reach a personal agreement with Mainoo.