Bruno Fernandes reached out to Kobbie Mainoo right away after his impressive Euro 2024 campaign came to a somber conclusion.

The 19-year-old Manchester United sensation appeared in six matches during the competition, four of which were as an offset.

Considering that Gareth Southgate arrived in Germany with just three senior caps—having made his senior debut back in March—it’s quite amazing how much faith he eventually showed in Mainoo. Although Southgate is a manager who is known for sticking with his favorites most of the time, United fans were already well aware that he deserved a starting role.

Still, the midfielder had a tremendous month for his country, frequently outperforming senior colleagues Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham and getting the better of players like Conor Gallagher and Adam Wharton. His performance in England’s semi-final match against the Netherlands, where he put on quite the show in the middle of the pitch and helped the Three Lions win 2-1, won him a lot of praise.

Mainoo went on to be selected for last Sunday’s final against Spain, which gave him the chance to win a second trophy after winning the FA Cup in May. However, Mikel Oyarzabal’s late winner left Southgate’s team inconsolable and on their knees when the referee blew the final whistle.

How Mainoo responded to the heartache in Europe

He expressed his profound dissatisfaction with the events of the final on Instagram on Monday, writing: “I’m proud and grateful to have competed in my first major international tournament for my country, but I’m devastated to have fallen short.” We’ll return.

His captain at Old Trafford, Bruno Fernandes, responded with a touching statement that said, “What’s yours will come to you, and a bright future is waiting for you.”