Kobbie Mainoo Reveals His Pre-Match Meal Ritual for Manchester United and England
Manchester United and England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has shared insights into his pre-match routine, revealing the one consistent element in his preparation before every game.
While many footballers are known for their quirky superstitions, Mainoo keeps things relatively simple. The 19-year-old talented midfielder disclosed that he eats the exact same meal before every match for both his club and country: pesto pasta with salmon.
"I mean, I’m not very superstitious. I try not to be superstitious. So I just kind of do what happens," Mainoo explained during a fan Q&A on Manchester United’s official website. "I have the same meal and that’s about it. I have pesto, pasta and salmon but, other than that, I just kind of do what I do."
Football Superstitions and Pre-Match Rituals
Superstitions are deeply embedded in English football culture, with many players adhering to specific rituals before matches. Some notable examples include:
- Manchester City’s Kyle Walker, who has worn the same pair of shin pads for an incredible 14 years
- Manchester United’s Luke Shaw, who wears socks featuring his son’s face in every match
- Former England defender Gary Neville, who admitted to wearing "lucky" white underpants for matches
Unlike some of his colleagues, Mainoo emphasizes that he avoids most superstitious behaviors: "It’s not whether I’m not wearing the same underwear. I don’t have a lucky pair of underpants or anything like that. I just, you know, try to prepare what I do, listen to music."
The young midfielder’s approach appears refreshingly straightforward in a sport where pre-match routines can sometimes border on the extreme. His consistent meal choice provides just enough structure without becoming overly rigid.
When discussing his musical preferences before games, Mainoo revealed he prefers a calming approach rather than high-energy tracks: "I like Drake at the moment. A lot of old Drake stuff, like the slower stuff. The more chilled stuff before a game. I don’t really like to get hyped before games. I like to just relax."
Mainoo’s pre-match routine highlights his mature approach to preparation, focusing on consistency and calm rather than superstition. This measured attitude has served him well in his breakthrough season with Manchester United and his emergence on the international stage with England.
For young players developing their own pre-match routines, Mainoo’s approach offers a valuable template – maintain consistency where it helps performance without becoming overly dependent on rigid rituals that might create unnecessary pressure.
Want to improve your own game-day preparation? Consider finding your own consistent pre-match meal that provides the right balance of nutrients and comfort to fuel your performance, just like Mainoo has with his pesto pasta and salmon combination.