‘A little bit different’… Marcus Rashford shares what surprised him about ‘really relaxed’ Man United star

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Marcus Rashford has revealed what surprised him most about Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo.

Kobbie Mainoo has been the breakout star of the season for Manchester United. One of the few bright spots on another wise dreary campaign.

The teenage prodigy has taken the midfield by storm and firmly established himself as a starter in Erik ten Hag’s side.

Mainoo has already made 18 senior appearances, scoring twice and setting up another two.

In fact, he even won the Premier League Goal of the Month award for February with his fantastic solo goal against Wolves.

The 18-year-old is playing well beyond his tender years and Marcus Rashford has been surprised at the aura with which he carries himself.

• READ MORE: Who is Kobbie Mainoo? Inside the life of Man Utd’s rising star, including his parents, brother and school

Marcus Rashford praises Kobbie Mainoo

Speaking to United’s in-house media, Rashford said: “I think he’s a really relaxed player.

“He’s composed, he’s confident in his abilities. I think it’s vital to be a midfielder for United.

“You have to want the ball all the time. You have to be able to have the skillset, the abilities that he has in order to play in the highest level of games.

“To be honest, that’s not the bits that surprised me about him, it’s just his general aura.

“It makes him a little bit different to players in the country, not just at Man United.

“He takes the biggest moments in his stride, nothing seems to faze him and it’s a huge skill set to have playing for Man United. He has it just naturally.”

Mainoo crucial to United’s success

Manchester United take on Everton on Saturday afternoon and will be aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a 3-1 defeat in the Manchester derby last weekend.

It was the 11th Premier League defeat United have suffered already this season and their chances of qualifying for the Champions League again are rapidly shortening.

United are now 11 points behind Aston Villa in fourth place.

A quick turnaround is desperately needed and has to start at Old Trafford against the Toffees.

Hopefully, Rashford can build upon his sensational strike against Manchester City and find his best form again.

But any success United do have this season may well depend on the performances of Mainoo, who has helped give United some much-needed dynamism and quality forward passing in midfield.