Roy Keane reserved special praise for Kobbie Mainoo following the youngster’s first-ever Premier League start for Manchester United.
Unfortunate injuries to Mason Mount, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen have paved the way for 18-year-old Mainoo to be granted a starting role for the Red Devils over the coming weeks, and he certainly looks ready to grasp the chance with both hands.
He received plaudits from pundits and viewers alike following the game and was unlucky to not be named Player of the Match; Gary Neville explained on commentary that Mainoo would’ve been his choice if Alejandro Garnacho hadn’t netted such a scintillating overhead kick in the first half.
Keane lauds Mainoo
Keane is one United legend that’s hard to please, but it seems as though Mainoo did enough in his 72-minute cameo to be granted his flowers from the former captain.
Speaking on Sky Sports Premier League following the game, Keane told the panel: “Unbelievable, I don’t want to get too carried away but I’m sure we will. He looked like he always had time on the ball and decision-making – when to go long, when to go short. Off the ball as well, what an all-round performance.
“I know the club thinks highly of him. They’ll look to the game today, coming to Everton, for the manager to put him in, he obviously must trust him.”
“Listen, good luck to the kid,” he continued. “He was outstanding. It’s a great start for him. Let’s hope he stays injury-free and gets a run of games for Man United because he looked like a Man United type of player today. Nice and brave, a lot of courage, loved watching him.”
