Mainoo has only made 19 appearances for boyhood club United but is already regarded as one of the most exciting and promising players in Europe.
The 18-year-old’s form for struggling United was rewarded with an England call up during last month’s international break and Mainoo played in both Wembley friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Given what is expected of Mainoo, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate is under pressure to select the midfielder in his squad for this summer’s European Championships in Germany.
Fabregas believes the hype around Mainoo is justified and says he is a player Manchester United can build their team around.
‘He’s definitely not just a player for the future because he’s a player for the present already,’ Fabregas said on BBC’s Planet Premier League show.
‘He’s someone they need to protect but at the same time they need to invest time and minutes on him because he can make a real difference.
‘He’s got fantastic personality on the pitch, it feels like he’s been playing for a long time. To help him as well they need to recruit players in the summer and make him more brilliant than he already is.
‘Talented players like him, the better quality they have around them, the more you get from them.
‘I’m expecting a big transfer window from Man United but definitely for next season, Kobbie Mainoo needs to be a key player, no matter what.’
Fabregas, who enjoyed Premier League spells at Arsenal and Chelsea, added: ‘You see his personality and his courage.
‘It’s not so much about the quality and the talent, I always talk about how much players want the ball, even in difficult moments. To perform how he is – in a very difficult season for Manchester United – shows a lot.
‘He plays without fear, that’s what I love about him. He just wants the ball and wants to make things happen. Hopefully he can go all the way.’
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