The English Football Association is looking to expedite the process so that Ghana cannot acquire Manchester United’s talented midfield player, Kobby Mainoo.
In all competitions, the 18-year-old began his tenth consecutive match over the weekend. Mainoo opened his Premier League account after scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner in a seven-goal thriller at Wolves earlier this month.
The United Academy alumnus only made his Premier League debut in November, shining in the team’s 3-0 victory away at Everton.
The midfielder is still being watched by Ghana, whom he is eligible to play for through his parents, despite having played for England at the under-17, U18, and U19 levels.
According to sources in England, the FA is aware of the Black Stars’ intention to convince Mainoo to switch his national team. The FA wants Mainoo to play for England U21 against Azerbaijan and Luxembourg in the European Qualifiers, the report continues.
Lee Carsley, the head coach of the Young Lions, is rumored to have been closely monitoring the teen’s development in recent weeks. Mainoo’s performance at Villa Park last time out was overseen by Gareth Southgate, and there is optimism that he will select England over Ghana.
The player was the perfect replacement for Casemiro after the Brazilian suffered an injury, according to Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, who compared him to Dutch great Clarence Serrdorf.
It appears that Mainoo will be ready in time to play for the England Under-21 team, but both Ghana and England will need to put in a lot of effort to see him play.
