Fan's tweet from 2016 hailing Mainoo goes viral after his first England call-up

A fan's tweet singling out Kobbie Mainoo for praise aged just 11 has gone viral after the youngster earned his first ever England call-up.

Mainoo's incredible breakthrough season continued after being promoted to Gareth Southgate's senior side for upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Brazil, bringing hope the 18-year-old could make the final Euro 2024 squad in Germany this summer.

The teenage sensation was initially in England's Under-21 before being bumped up to the main group following his superb displays under Erik ten Hag this season.

Mainoo has already begun training with England at their St George's Park complex this week and is in contention for his debut cap ahead of two big friendlies at Wembley Stadium in the coming week.

The United star has made 14 starts in the Premier League this season, scoring once, quickly becoming a key player under the Dutchman.

Fans had already been in uproar that Mainoo had been overlooked in favour of veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson, but rejoiced after Southgate confirmed he would be part of the group.

And some eagled-eyed fans were left shocked after spotting an old tweet from a Man United supporter praising the youngster when he was just 11 in 2016.

It came after the fan in question highlighted the performance of the No 10 while competing for a Murapol Cup clash against Polish team Akademia Pilkarska Wisly Krakow.

The initial post read: 'No 10 for United looks quite skillful. Any idea who he is?'

A response said: 'Kobbie Mainoo, very good player.'

The tweet in question has since picked up over a thousand likes as supporters replied by hailing his eye talent - and some even joking he should be named as United's next director of football.

'How do you even recognise that in an [11-year-old]? wrote one fan.

Another said: 'Get bro as our director of football' - as one added '"Dan Ashworth", "Paul Mitchell", nah, jb8521 as our new director of football.'

The fan was also hailed a 'visionary' by a social media user.

The Stockport-born midfield player qualifies for Ghana through his parents, with Ghana FA Board member Randy Abbey telling The Times that they are hopeful of persuading Mainoo to switch his allegiance to the Black Stars.

However, those hopes have faded as England have swooped in offered the teenager a chance to make his senior international debut later this month.

The teenager has previously represented England at U17 through to U19 level - but is yet to be capped at U20 or U21 level.

Speaking outside St George's Park, Mainoo said: 'It's a bit different. I mean, I got called up to the under-21s and then got a text from Steve Holland [Southgate's assistant].

'He told me to come to meet him in the reception and just told me that I've been called up and that I'm going to be with the squad for the week.

'I don't think it's really sunk in yet but I'm excited for the week.’