The dark clouds that "frown" over "Old Trafford" this season were dispelled by a teenager who until the end of November was practically unknown even to the fans from "Theatre of Dreams".
For a long time, Erik ten Haag was looking for a winning combination for Manchester United's midfield, and then he realized that the solution was in the academy of this giant - from the first moment he stepped on the field, 18-year-old Kobi Meinu showed that he was born for great things.
For the first game he started among the 11 in the "devils" jersey - against Everton, on November 26 - he was awarded as the best player of the match, and only four months later he was a starter for England for the first time. And he got the same award again.
"It may have been a friendly against Belgium, but England were visibly shaken during the first 15 minutes, especially after the visitors took the lead. The mood was not up to par, and then Kobi Maine lifted it," described the "Guardian" game of the guy who made his debut against Brazil just a few days earlier.
Cold-blooded as if he had at least 50 appearances at "Wembley" behind him, Maine turned two guards in the middle and was key in the action that brought a penalty for "proud Albion" and the equalizer.
"He is not like other England midfielders, he does not panic when he gets the ball in a tight space surrounded by opposing players, 'proud Albion' has been crying out for such calmness for a long time," added "The Guardian".
Jude Bellingham, although also very young, is already the leader of England, and Gareth Southgate has more masters in the midfield like Phil Foden, but the type of player that Maine has been missing in this selection since the career of Calvin Phillips took a downward path and the time of Jordan Henderson slowly passes.
Next to the undisputed Declan Rice, the United midfielder looked perfect in the middle of England against Belgium (match ended 2:2).
"Maine must be part of Southgate's squad for Euro 2024 and that discussion is over after his first start for the national team," concluded "The Guardian".
The England coach emphasizes that everyone has to be careful when it comes to the jewel from "Old Trafford".
"We must not forget that he has only played 14 games in the Premier League. Also no one would say that he is only 18 years old. He gives us a different profile of a midfielder and we are really pleased with what he has shown," said Southgate.
The Ghanaian-born lad can play in any position in midfield, which is why Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand compared him to one of the best Dutch footballers of all time, Clarence Seedorf.
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