Kobbie Mainoo just keeps receiving plaudits with every outing he makes for Manchester United.
In a tumultuous start to the second season of Erik ten Hag’s tenure, the youngster has been one undeniable silver lining to keep supporters optimistic about the future of the club.
Mainoo made just his third Premier League start yesterday, rounding off a trio of some of the most raucous away trips in the top flight; Goodison Park, St. James’ Park and Anfield – talk about a baptism of fire.
In each of the games, he excelled. The teenager – only 18 years old – looks as though he’s been playing at the top level for years; he is calmness personified even in such high-stakes contests.
On Sunday, one particularly impressive phase of play saw Mainoo pick out Alejandro Garnacho with a scintillating through-ball that, if the Argentine was able to finish off, would’ve undoubtedly gone down as one of the best assists of the season.
Mainoo’s high praise from Fortune
He was subsequently lauded by former Red and MUTV pundit Quinton Fortune for his spirited showing, as he said: “So much composure. Every time he got the ball he tried to find a United player. That’s what you want. From what I’ve seen he’s an unbelievable player.
“He hardly gives the ball away. It’s huge. Especially playing for Manchester United in that position. 18 years old coming into the team, with the situation at the moment, the kid is just way ahead of his time. At the moment he’s one of our best players.
“He’s always on the half-turn, one of the hardest things to coach. He’s a natural receiving the ball. So calm for 18, unbelievable.”
