Revealed: How Kobbie Mainoo is following in England team-mate Bukayo Saka's footsteps as Man Utd youngster lined up for lucrative sponsorship deal

The 18-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a meteoric rise in his breakout season this term, cementing a starting spot at United and making his senior England debut at the weekend. According to the Daily Mail, his successes on the pitch are set to be matched with further riches off it. Namely, a lucrative sponsorship deal with Nando's, as he looks to follow in the footsteps of England team-mate Saka.

The Arsenal star released his own peri-peri sauce at the chain earlier this month in a nod to his nickname 'Chilli' given to him at the Gunners. That very condiment was even sampled at England camp, with Declan Rice singing its praises, and it now seems Mainoo is set to emulate his Three Lions team-mate in that realm. Discussions are said to have already taken place over said deal, although as yet the details are not known.

Mainoo has steadily become a mainstay in Erik ten Hag's side, racking up 20 senior appearances and even scoring a goal in the FA Cup and Premier League. It is expected that the young midfielder will be rewarded with an improved contract, with his current one ending in 2027, although talks are yet to take place between the club and his representatives.

Long before that proposed contract offer and even the rest of United's season, Mainoo's eyes will be on Tuesday's friendly with Belgium. He was given 15 minutes last time out to Brazil but will be hoping to get his first-ever England start in their second and final friendly of the international break.