Kobbie Mainoo hailed winning the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year Award as quite the moment for him and his family as he vowed to get back on the pitch for Manchester United as soon as possible.
The 18-year-old has become the latest recipient of the annual accolade handed out to United's top youth prospect. The likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Danny Welbeck, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho are all previous winners.
Mainoo is the latest player to join that illustrious list of talents. The attacking midfielder from Stockport made his United debut in the League Cup quarter-final win against League One Charlton Athletic in January.
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The teenager has made three appearances for Erik ten Hag's side this campaign. As well as his start against Charlton, Mainoo also came off the bench in the FA Cup fourth round win in January, and February's Premier League victory over Leicester City.
Mainoo was presented with his award on the Old Trafford pitch at half-time in Thursday night's 4-0 victory over Chelsea, a victory which confirmed United's qualification for the Champions League. He has also played regularly for United's under-21s this campaign, scoring twice and recording two assists, and was part of the squad which won last season's FA Youth Cup.
Mainoo is currently out of action due to injury, but is looking forward to getting back on the pitch. He has spoken of his pride in the award as he reflected on his work this season.
Taking to Instagram, Mainoo wrote: "Jimmy Murphy young player of the year award! What a moment for me and my family and what a season it’s been.
"Unfortunate for it to have ended with an injury but I can’t wait to get back on the pitch."
Speaking about the award after being handed it on Thursday night Mainoo also said: "It’s an unbelievable feeling. I have been at this club all my life and it’s all been building to tonight. And to have my family here watching me, surrounding me, it is just amazing.
"I’ve been in training with the lads quite a few times. They all made me feel welcome and all gave me words of advice and encouragement. So I felt at home.
"To stay around it and to keep on getting more games is the ultimate goal. I want to stay at this club; I’ve been here my whole life."
United's head of academy Nick Cox said: "Kobbie has had an exceptional season and risen to every challenge that he has faced. He has been at the club from a really young age and has always been an exciting talent but, importantly, he’s shown the work rate and desire to succeed.
"Every time Kobbie has played for an Academy side this year, he has performed to a very high standard and that has given him the platform to go and impress Erik ten Hag and the first-team coaches.
"His debut was a fantastic moment for Kobbie, his family and the dedicated staff who have supported him along the journey. To start a game for Manchester United, at the age of just 17, is a special achievement. We are really proud of the way he has applied himself in first-team training and he thoroughly deserves the recognition of this award."
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