Kobbie Mainoo clinched a dramatic victory for Manchester United with a stunning 97th-minute goal, securing a 4-3 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in an unforgettable Premier League encounter at Molineux.
Mainoo, making his mark with his inaugural Premier League goal, expertly curved the ball past Jose Sa just moments after Pedro Neto’s apparent equalizer seemed to salvage a draw for Wolves.
Despite trailing 2-0 at halftime and 3-1 with only five minutes remaining, Kobbie Wolves mounted a remarkable comeback to level the score. However, it was United’s 18-year-old Mainoo who proved to be the hero, skillfully manoeuvring past Max Kilman and slotting the ball into the bottom corner.
The match began with Marcus Rashford opening the scoring five minutes into his return for United, following reports of illness and disciplinary issues. Rasmus Hojlund doubled the lead before Wolves clawed one back through a Pablo Sarabia penalty. Scott McTominay seemingly sealed the win for United with a headed goal, only for late drama to ensue.
Kilman’s close-range goal set up a tense finale, and Neto’s late strike appeared to secure a point for Wolves. However, Mainoo’s heroics ensured United emerged victorious in a thrilling contest.
With this win, Erik ten Hag’s side climbed back into the top seven, ending a four-match winless streak away from home. Meanwhile, Wolves remained in 11th place.
Marcus Rashford, who had been under scrutiny for off-field incidents, made an immediate impact on his return, scoring early in the match. Despite recent controversies, Rashford showcased his commitment with a tireless display, even tracking back to defend.
United dominated the first half, with Rashford and Luke Shaw linking up effectively to create opportunities. However, their vulnerability was exposed in the second half as Wolves fought back, highlighting United’s inconsistency.
In the end, it was Kobbie Mainoo, a product of United’s academy, who delivered the decisive blow, securing a crucial win for his team.
Who is Kobbie Mainoo
According to the Biography on the Man United website, Kobbie Mainoo joined Travis Binnion’s Under-18s squad in 2021 and excelled throughout the season, showing off excellent vision and technical ability in the middle of the park. A graduate of Cheadle & Gatley junior football club, Mainoo scored twice in United’s run to the 2022 FA Youth Cup final, heading home at Old Trafford against Everton after a smart finish away at Reading in the fourth round.
He then helped the team beat Nottingham Forest in the showpiece game as we lifted the trophy for the first time in a decade. He was part of the U17s team that travelled to Dallas, Texas to take part in the Adidas Generation Cup in April 2022 and has gained experience in Premier League 2 and also the EFL Trophy, producing a fine display in the opening 2022 group campaign win at Carlisle United.
After more sterling work for the Under-21s, he was named on the senior bench for the first time when United drew 0-0 with Newcastle on 16 October 2022. He scored in the friendly against Cadiz as part of the winter training camp and, at the tender age of 17, was thrust into the limelight when making his senior bow in the Carabao Cup quarter-final with Charlton Athletic in January 2023. The midfielder then made a substitute appearance in our 3-1 FA Cup win against Reading before being handed his Premier League debut off the bench against Leicester in February.
Source: BBC
