“I said it. FIFA has finally verified this. He is actually better than Jude Bellingham and Musiala, and they have finally admitted it. Kobbie Mainoo is listed as one of football’s top wonderkids, with Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala, with Manchester United’s target following closely after.

Kobbie Mainoo’s exceptional skills have propelled him into the spotlight, securing his position on the prestigious NXGN 2024 list, which highlights the 50 most promising young football talents globally. Despite being just 18 years old, Mainoo has made a significant impact at Manchester United this season, particularly in the midfield under the management of Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

His noteworthy performances, evidenced by his 20 appearances for The Reds this season, have garnered attention and acclaim, resulting in a call-up to the England national team by manager Gareth Southgate. There’s anticipation surrounding the possibility of Mainoo making his debut for the Three Lions in the upcoming match against Brazil, further cementing his burgeoning reputation in the football world.

Mainoo’s rapid ascent has firmly established him among the top emerging talents in football, as underscored by his inclusion in GOAL’s esteemed NXGN rankings. This annual list recognizes and celebrates the most promising young players globally, having previously identified stars like Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho.

In this year’s edition, Mainoo holds the distinction of being ranked as the 7th-best player born on or after January 1, 2005, with Barcelona’s prodigy Lamine Yamal leading the pack. Notably, he shares the rankings with other exceptional talents such as Endrick, Warren Zaire-Emery, and Mathys Tel, further highlighting the elite caliber of players he is associated with.

Adding to the intrigue is the close proximity of another rising star linked with a potential move to Manchester United. Roony Bardghji, representing FC Copenhagen, occupies the 13th position in the rankings. Bardghji, a gifted forward who notably scored against United in the Champions League earlier this season, has been attracting interest from various clubs across Europe.

Speculation regarding a transfer for the 18-year-old has intensified, especially with Manchester United reportedly among the suitors. This speculation gained momentum following comments from FC Copenhagen’s sporting director, Peter Christiansen, who acknowledged Bardghji’s strong candidacy for a potential summer move, hinting at exciting developments on the horizon for both players.