Manchester United fans watched on with pride as Kobbie Mainoo helped England reach the final of Euro 2024 on Wednesday night.
England will now meet Spain in the final of Euro 2024 having snatched a last-gasp winner against the Netherlands.
Ollie Watkins was the hero, smashing home a superb finish having been played in by fellow substitute Cole Palmer.
Watkins will grab the headlines but arguably the finest player on the pitch was Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo.
The United talent has enjoyed a stunning year of development at Old Trafford and has now helped save England at Euro 2024.
England were struggling in midfield before Mainoo was given a chance, and the United talent has really seized his opportunity.
Mainoo was exceptional against the Netherlands, especially in the first half, and has fully justified his inclusion in the England side.
Kobbie Mainoo spotted with Joshua Zirkzee
Mainoo is now in line to start Sunday’s final, marking another huge step in his development.
The teenager just goes from strength to strength right now and United fans everywhere will have been loving his performance.
Eagle-eyed United fans may have also spotted Mainoo hugging Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.
Zirkzee came off the bench for the Netherlands late on as they chased an equaliser, but he couldn’t haul them back into the game.
United are currently chasing the signing of Zirkzee having bene impressed with his displays for Bologna.
Fabrizio Romano claims that United are closing in on Zirkzee in a £34million move thanks to a release clause in his contract.
Zirkzee will have been gutted to lose out on a potential spot in the Euro 2024 final, but he did share a moment with Mainoo after the full-time whistle.
Romano captured Mainoo and Zirkzee hugging at the final whistle, with United midfielder Mainoo appearing to have a smile on his face.
Mainoo will certainly be aware of the rumours surrounding Zirkzee and a move to Old Trafford, so few would be surprised if they spoke about potentially seeing each other back in Manchester.
Mainoo win helps Manchester United strike Zirkzee deal
After such a euphoric victory, Mainoo will just be on cloud nine.
Mainoo’s exploits may have helped United – and it directly impacts Zirkzee.
Dutch media reports earlier this week suggested that Zirkzee will officially become a United player once his Euro 2024 commitments are over.
Zirkzee won’t have wanted to be distracted in the middle of the tournament by pushing ahead with a move to United.
Mainoo and England have now dumped Zirkzee out of the competition and United may now be free to strike a deal.
That won’t have really been on Mainoo’s mind, but he has helped United regardless by knocking the Netherlands out.
Zirkzee wasn’t really utilised much at Euro 2024 and he will surely want to get his move to United wrapped up as soon as possible after weeks of speculation.