Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo delivered an outstanding performance in his first Premier League start against Everton.
The Reds won 3-0 but the 18-year-old was probably the best performer on the pitch, which is remarkable considering he has just returned from three months out with an ankle injury.
Mainoo started in midfield alongside Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes, but he was keen to get on the ball from the first minute. The youngster exchanged passes with teammates in defence and midfield and United’s transitional play was better as a result.
It took us back a bit watching Mainoo perform at a hostile Goodison Park, so it comes as no surprise that MUTV pundits and former United players Wes Brown and Gary Pallister are waxing lyrical over the youngster’s display on Sunday.
Brown said (quotes from UnitedInFocus): “I like him, and he’s shown a bit of everything he can do. Taking the ball, as a young kid he wants the ball all the time, he’s very comfortable.
“His reactions are very good, his goal-line save. He’s obviously not 100 per cent match fit, but he’s shown the manager he’s ready, to get on with it. I’m very happy he’s back.”
Mainoo played 71 minutes against Everton and could be in contention to start against Galatasaray in the Champions League this week. It’s clear that the manager trusts him.
Meanwhile, Pallister was quick credit Mainoo for his clearance off the line in the first half. He added: “A split second later and he’s going to knock it in back of the net. He’s done his defensive duties well.”
There has been a lot of praise for Mainoo since the game yesterday, although Ten Hag will be trying to block out the hype to ensure the youngster continues working hard to achieve his aim of becoming a regular for the first team.
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