Manchester United teenager Kobbie Mainoo has been named the Emirates FA Cup Player of the Season for 2023–24 after helping his side win the prestigious tournament in the final week of May. A product of Manchester United’s famous academy, Mainoo, in his second full season with the club, secured the award on Wednesday (June 5) for playing a pivotal role in the club’s success, where they beat Manchester City 2-1 in the final at Wembley. His second goal in the final eventually turned out to be the winning goal, securing United’s 13th title.
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Mainoo names Player of the Season
Having been an unknown name before the start of the season, the 19-year-old made his presence felt under Erik ten Hag as soon as he was promoted to the first team. He played in all six matches of the FA Cup while participating in 24 Premier League and two Champions League matches. However, it was the FA Cup where he made a name for himself.
In six matches during the season, he scored twice, a 121st-minute winner against Liverpool and then against Manchester City in the final. Interestingly, he was sent off after scoring against Liverpool in the quarterfinal for removing T-Shirt. He was already carrying a yellow card before committing the latter offense.
His exploits with the ball and great vision for the pass were praised by everyone as it helped United save their season with a trophy. The FA Cup win driven by Mainoo also helped United qualify for the Europa League next season, at the expense of both Chelsea and Newcastle United. After finishing eighth in the Premier League, United needed to win the FA Cup to reach European football next season.
Consequences of Manchester United win
Their win in the final against Manchester City saw them take Chelsea’s place in the Europa League who had earlier secured qualification through a sixth place finish in the Premier League. Newcastle United which was guaranteed a place in next season’s UEFA Conference League, will now have no European football next season despite finishing seventh in the Premier League.
For Manchester United, they are still considering the future of manager Erik ten Hag, who is under pressure despite winning the FA Cup. It is reported that the club will wait till the month’s end, when they will carry out further examinations, before deciding on his future. Like Louis van Gaal in 2016, Ten Hag could also get fired despite winning the FA Cup, as the United board is not satisfied with the club’s progress.
Also Read: Watch: Kobbie Mainoo goal doubles Manchester United’s lead over Manchester City in the FA Cup final