“I wasn’t a good footballer before, I use to get tired quickly but after I started eating this exact food, my football changed. This food helped my career and a lot of other players”-Kobbie Mainoo reveals what food he eats the before every Man Utd and England match.
Euro 2024 is approaching, and it’s well-known that many players adhere to specific superstitions before their first game of the tournament.
Superstitions are widespread in English football, with many players insisting on their pre-match rituals. Notably, England right-back Kyle Walker has been using the same pair of shin pads for 14 years. Likewise, Luke Shaw always wears socks featuring his son’s face in every match.
This trend is not new, as past England stars had their own rituals. Gary Neville, for example, mentioned on the Football, Music and Me podcast that he wore a pair of lucky white underpants for every game to feel prepared.
Young talent Kobbie Mainoo has also shared his unique superstition. In the Lions’ Den series, Mainoo mentioned that despite changing his routine before each game, he consistently eats pesto pasta before matches for Manchester United or England.
Mainoo could play a crucial role for England at Euro 2024, given the uncertainty in the midfield lineup. While Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are expected to start, the third midfield spot is still open. Trent Alexander-Arnold is a strong contender, but Adam Wharton, Conor Gallagher, or Mainoo might also secure the position based on their training performance.
Mainoo made his international debut three months ago, entering as a substitute in the 75th minute during England’s 1-0 friendly loss to Brazil in March. Before his senior debut, Mainoo played for England’s youth teams, including the U17, U18, and U19 squads.
