Kobbie Mainoo has nickname at Man Utd that's a nod to England star's famous older brother

Kobbie Mainoo revealed he has a nickname at Manchester United that’s a nod to his famous older brother.

This week Mainoo earned his first senior England call-up for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley.

The call-up came just days after the 18-year-old starred in United’s dramatic 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup.

Mainoo, who has been in the United academy since he was seven, has enjoyed a whirlwind few months having only made his first Premier League start in November.

In his time at United, Mainoo has earned himself an affectionate nickname that is a nod to his famous brother Jordan Mainoo-Hames, who was on the fifth season of Love Island in 2019.

Speaking on England’s ‘First Impressions’ Mainoo said: “My brother was on it. I’m close to him.

“You know what, going back to another question - my nickname. The kit man at United always called me ‘Love Island’. [He's been doing so] since I was like 16.”

When asked if he was a smooth talker like his brother, Mainoo responded: “No, it’s not even that. They’re just jokers.”

Mainoo’s brother Jordan entered the Love Island villa three weeks into the show and quickly got into a relationship with Anna Vakili.

However, the couple soon separated after Jordan explored a connection with new arrival India Reynolds.

Jordan and Anna went on to be dumped from the island on Day 52, less than a week before the Love Island final.

Mainoo earned his first England call up this week (Getty)

Since then Jordan has modelled for the likes of Vogue, Louis Vuitton and JD Sports while also dipping his toe into the property development industry.

Ahead of England’s encounter with Brazil on Saturday evening, Mainoo told BBC 5 Live: "I was shocked and happy [to receive a call up].

"It's been a whirlwind of emotions, a pretty mad couple of days."

He added: "I had to adapt quickly to the Premier League. Obviously, it's very demanding physically, and also mentally, so it's been tough.

"But I feel like I've found my feet a bit now and I'm enjoying it. The games have been coming so fast at United but now I'm here [with England], obviously I am taking it all in and it's been amazing."

Topics: Manchester United, England, Premier League, FA Cup, Liverpool

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.