Kobbie Mainoo may not be part of Manchester United’s pre-season tour in Los Angeles as he recuperates from the Euros, but the young midfielder made an appearance at the famous Venice Beach while enjoying his holiday.
Mainoo was invited by Venice Beach FC, a local club that has created a soccer court for children to enjoy on the beach and has expanded to the point of securing sponsorship from Nike. He followed in the illustrious footsteps of notable players like Ronaldinho, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Eduardo Camavinga.
Sporting his signature bucket hat, Mainoo received a custom-made shirt and engaged with fans by posing for photographs and signing autographs before joining local youths for a friendly game on the beach.
During a Q&A session, he shared an encouraging message with the children: ‘If you’re not winning you’re learning,’ he emphasized. ‘Having just lost in the Euros final, I understand that working hard is essential to ensure these opportunities arise again and that you seize them next time. Accept setbacks; they might sting for a moment, but let them fuel your next efforts.’
On his rapid ascent through the ranks at United and with England, Mainoo reflected: ‘It’s surreal. From my debut in November to playing for England and then the Euros, it has all unfolded so fast. I take it one step at a time.’
Kobbie Mainoo was a guest at Venice Beach FC as he took time out from his holiday in the United States
Mainoo isn’t on Manchester United’s pre-season tour in LA as he rests after the Euros
Mainoo starred at Euro 2024 after emerging as a starting midfielder as England lost to Spain in the final
Mainoo, along with other players who participated in the Euros and Copa America – including Luke Shaw, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho, Lisandro Martinez, Altay Bayindir, and Facundo Pellistri – will report for pre-season training at Carrington instead of joining the main squad in the US, as only a week remains of the tour.
Patched-up stars sweat it out
The stars of Manchester United underwent fluid loss measurements during training in Los Angeles on Sunday using specialized sweat patches attached to their arms.
Hydration and fueling are meticulously monitored during the tour, with United’s physical performance team devising individual strategies to assist each player as they prepare for the season ahead.
As United’s players resumed training at the UCLA campus following their 2-1 loss to Arsenal at the SoFi Stadium, they were assessed using the sweat patches.
Manchester United’s stars were measured for fluid loss in training in Los Angeles on Sunday with special sweat patches
The results will help the performance team to identify the best matchday hydration strategy for each individual player
These outcomes will aid the performance team in determining the optimal hydration strategies for each player as they ramp up for the upcoming season.
The squad had a day off on Monday. Some went golfing, while others indulged in shopping at Rodeo Drive or enjoyed the beach.
Onana’s charity saves lives
While Andre Onana prepares for the new season on tour with United, his charitable foundation continues to deliver essential medical assistance to those in need in Yaounde, Cameroon.
Recently, the foundation organized its fourth Surgical Campaign in partnership with various organizations, including the ASAF Foundation under Eran Moas, Cameroon’s Ministry of Health, Fua Toula Kadji Defosso Foundation, Retice Africa, Bisturi Solidario, and Surgeons in Action from Spain.
Andre Onana’s charitable foundation in his home nation of Cameroon continues to provide crucial medical help for people in need in the country’s capital Yaounde
Over 13 days, 350 individuals underwent operations at the Hospital of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paediatrics in Yaounde, significantly enhancing their lives or saving them. The 11-member mission included anaesthetists, pediatric surgeons, and nurses, alongside local healthcare workers and volunteers from the Andre Onana Foundation.
Onana expressed, ‘I take pride in the foundation’s efforts to develop projects that uplift the lives of all Cameroonians. My dedication to my country remains unwavering.’
Lindelof back in action
Victor Lindelof returned to training with the squad on Sunday after missing out on the match against Arsenal.
The defender from Sweden was the sole outfield player unavailable to manager Erik ten Hag during the SoFi Stadium match due to a minor injury.
However, United’s injury concerns heightened when Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro both had to leave the match early due to injuries.
While Hojlund’s issue is not considered serious, Yoro’s situation is more worrisome, as he had just played his second game for United after a £59million transfer from Lille. Ten Hag hopes this isn’t a foreshadowing of another injury-plagued season, akin to last year’s nearly 70 recorded injury cases.
Victor Lindelof resumed training with the rest of the squad in Los Angeles on Sunday
Wes rides into town
Former United defender Wes Brown, currently on tour as a club ambassador, met with 60 children from disadvantaged areas of LA through United’s partnership with Compton Cowboys, a community initiative teaching youth to ride and care for horses.
United’s collaboration with Compton Cowboys includes connections with Street Soccer USA and the Manchester United Foundation, aimed at developing strategic partnerships and utilizing sports for educating underprivileged youth.
Former United defender Wes Brown (sat on horse), out here on tour as a club ambassador, met with 60 children from socially deprived areas of LA
SoFi so good for reporters
Reporters enjoyed a guided tour of the SoFi Stadium on Sunday, just a day after Gabriel Martinelli’s late goal secured a win for Arsenal over United.
The impressive stadium and surrounding Hollywood Park area has been financed by Arsenal and LA Rams owner Stan Kroenke. The Mayor of Inglewood, James T Butts Jnr., humorously noted, ‘Stan paid $5 billion – as he never ceases to remind me!’
The grass field is set to be replaced after having hosted only the seventh football game there. The venue will host multiple matches during the World Cup in two years, including a semi-final, after narrowly missing the chance to host the final, which will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where United faced Arsenal last summer.
The stadium, which has a seating capacity of 70,000, will be modified into a 38,000-capacity swimming arena for the LA Olympics in 2028, marking the largest swimming venue in Games history. Additionally, it is interesting to note that the SoFi Stadium roof sign weighs approximately as much as three killer whales.
