Bruno Fernandes and Man Utd teammates respond to England U-turn on Mainoo

The Manchester United squad have praised Kobbie Mainoo after he received his first senior England call-up.

The young midfielder, 18, was initially selected to join up with England U21s during the international break. This was before Mainoo's display in United's dramatic FA Cup win over Liverpool on Sunday, with England boss Gareth Southgate promoting him to the senior squad.

When previously asked about the United midfielder, Southgate said: “He's doing brilliantly for a young player. We're never slow to put a young player into the seniors but he's only had a handful of games.” The England manager's change of heart is the latest chapter in Mainoo's incredible rise this season, having become integral to Erik ten Hag's side since returning to fitness in November.

The teenager will hope to impress during his first Three Lions camp as England prepare for a glamour friendly against Brazil at Wembley on Saturday, followed by a clash with Belgium next Tuesday. After being selected for the squad, Mainoo shared his pride on Instagram: “It's an honour to receive my first senior call up,” he said.

His United teammates were quick to show their appreciation for Mainoo's latest achievement, with club captain Bruno Fernandes replying, “My guy”, with a heart emoji. Alejandro Garnacho called Mainoo, “My man”, accompanied by a goat emoji, while England teammate Harry Maguire replied with a heart-eyes emoji.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright also showed his appreciation for Mainoo on social media, shortly after calling for Southgate to select the midfielder. Speaking on ITV Sport following United's victory over Liverpool on Sunday, Wright said: “How's Kobbie Mainoo not in that [England] squad?

“Roy [Keane], how's Kobbie Mainoo not in that squad? Come on, man. Come on. You know, [the] man was immense today. Gosh.”