KOBBIE MAINOO’S rapid rise to being a stalwart of the Manchester United first-team has been one of the highlights of the Red Devils’ season.

But that almost didn’t happen after it was revealed that Juventus were interested in Mainoo when he was just eleven.

3Juventus were interested in Mainoo when he was just 11Credit: https://twitter.com/P_Klama3He starred for England against BelgiumCredit: Getty

The Serie A heavyweights reportedly viewed him as “the next Paul Pogba” and wanted to repeat the trick of when they signed Pogba as a youngster for free from United in 2012.

TalkSPORT spoke to Polish journalist Pawel Klama about how he had spotted Mainoo at an early age.

He watched a United youth team play in the Murapol Cup against against Polish team Akademia Pilkarska Wisly Krakow in 2016.

Mainoo played as an attacking midfielder that day, and Klama said his talent was clear to see, revealing: “During the Legia Cup he caught the attention of many people.

“From the tournament observers to the organisers, to the staff of other teams, including Juventus, where the coaches themselves asked if I knew anything more about him.

“They were interested in him, but that’s pretty much it.

“Most of the teams were impressed by him, how he plays, how mature he is at this stage of learning how to play football.

“Whether there was any interest at a later stage, I don’t know.”3The Italian club viewed Mainoo as ‘the next Paul Pogba’ – having signed him as a youngster from UnitedCredit: EPA

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Mainoo has only made 23 appearances for United this season after missing the first half with injury but has already won two England caps.

He was a standout player during England’s 2-2 draw with Belgium and Klama says that comes as no surprise given how he played as a youngster.

Klama said: “What distinguished him at this age – at the U11 team level – he was self-confident. He had no fear of playing 1 vs. 2, or even 1 vs. 3.

“He played great with the ball at his feet and had a definitely outstanding technique.

“However, what attracted attention the most was how he led the team at such a young age. He was, I don’t want to call him a leader, but the other boys listened to him. It was obvious that he had something.

“He was definitely one of those young boys who immediately attracted attention, and as I have been observing the Manchester academy for almost 15 years, he is for sure one of the most generational talents in the academy.

“We all know about the Class of 92, but honestly I’ve never seen then or now a kiddo like him.”