Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo coped with the step up in quality well when the Red Devils took on Lyon.
Kobbie Mainoo shone against Leeds a week ago. A step up in quality asked a little more of him, this time around, when Manchester United faced Ligue 1 side Lyon.
Mainoo made it all look simple. He was composed on the ball and strong in the tackle, playing like a first team star, not an inexperienced teenager.
The 18-year-old has secured a spot on the tour squad to the USA, and it has come as no surprise at all. In fact, it would have been a shock if Mainoo wasn’t on the plane.
Kobbie Mainoo stars
Kobbie Mainoo completed 94 per cent of his passes against Lyon, 33 of 35 passes attempted. It displayed how smooth he is in possession, up against first team opposition.
This was why Erik ten Hag felt comfortable starting Mainoo in the Carabao Cup when he was only 17.
More opportunities are going to come Mainoo’s way, and he passed this test. Another bigger one will come against Arsenal on Saturday, if he gets minutes.
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Hannibal Mejbri also impresses
Also in midfield alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount, was young Tunisia international Hannibal Mejbri.
Hannibal starred in the first game, and was instrumental in helping Manchester United create chances early on with his high-energy pressing style.
He was picked out for praise on ESPN by pundit Don Hutchison, who said: “Hannibal was their star player for the first 20 minutes.
“He couldn’t have done much more in terms of his performance today. He was very impressive.”