Kobbie Mainoo’s importance at Manchester United goes much further than his performances on the pitch, and one talent has now shown exactly why.
The biggest winner from Michael Carrick’s arrival has undoubtedly been Kobbie Mainoo, with his performances returning to the levels of his breakout season.
Mainoo has been sensational since Carrick became manager, and he has become undroppable, which is significant not only in regard to helping Manchester United win games but also off the pitch.
For years, Mainoo was the poster boy for United’s traditions of using the academy, but under Ruben Amorim, this pathway wasn’t always clear, which must have been demoralising.
Now, it’s clearer than ever with one academy talent currently on loan, naming Mainoo as his inspiration.
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Jacob Devaney sets Manchester United target after stunning St Mirren debut
Carrick has had youngsters in senior training this week, demonstrating his desire to integrate the best academy talents, and also implying that he is planning long-term.
One exciting talent the club rates highly is Jacob Devaney, and he was sent on loan during deadline day to St Mirren.
Jacob Devaney controls the ball for St Mirren.
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Devaney enjoyed an excellent St Mirren debut in which he was key in the win against league leaders Hearts.
Now, he has been quoted by the Manchester Evening News name-dropping Mainoo as someone he wants to follow in the footsteps of.
“In my position, Kobbie Mainoo is a great one to look up to. He’s done what I want to do, which is go through the academy.
“My journey might look a bit different to his in coming here, going back, and trying to break through. I like to think I back myself. I backed myself here to go in, do well, and perform.
“I feel like I have that confidence to go on and push through. I’ve grown up a United fan, so it would definitely be a dream to play for them.
“Even with the youth teams and Under-21s, we get the chance to play at Old Trafford, which is something not many people can say they’ve done. Hopefully I can go on and do it in front of 75,000.”
Mainoo being in the first team and playing every game gives the youngsters someone to look up to and envision themselves in that role.
Devaney proved his class for St Mirren already, and if he has a complete loan spell like this, then he will become a credible option for United next season.
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Jayce Fitzgerald walking out for Manchester United.
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Jacob Devaney uses John McGinn of example of how St Mirren loan can accelerate his career
Continuing, Devaney explained that John McGinn’s rise from St Mirren is something he is using as motivation.
“But John McGinn is a prime example of what is achievable here. He has gone on to Aston Villa and done great things and hopefully I can do similar.”
Devaney is hoping to return to Carrington a much better player and more ready to step up into the first team during pre-season.
If his first performance against the best team in the league is anything to go by, United can be very excited.
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