Gary Neville and Leon Osman agree over Kobbie Mainoo performance for Manchester United

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Kobbie Mainoo has made a serious statement in his first start back for Manchester United.

The 18-year-old has been out with an injury since pre-season, but you wouldn’t have thought it with his display against the Toffees.

Kobbie Mainoo was sensational. He certainly didn’t look out of place in the Manchester United midfield and looked right at home in and amongst the first-team squad.

He was substituted at 72 minutes, having hardly put a foot wrong. Great signs going forward.

Gary Neville on Kobbie Mainoo

Gary Neville had high praise for the youngster whilst speaking on Sky Sports commentary.

“You look at a player you can judge him straight away, he looks class,” the legendary ex-Manchester United full-back said.

He’s absolutely right. Mainoo slotted in beautifully into United’s midfield, despite not making a first-team appearance all season. The 18-year-old really showed what he’s made of.

Neville later revealed that he thought Mainoo was the “best player on the pitch”. Instant impact from the youngster.

Leon Osman on Kobbie Mainoo

Leon Osman similarly had praise for Mainoo. He said the following via the BBC live blog of the fixture:

“Kobbie Mainoo has had a really impressive start, the youngster. Really comfortable on the ball, really relaxed in possession despite the atmosphere.”

He later added after the youngster departed:

“The young lad Kobbie Mainoo in the middle of the pitch, he’ll be really pleased with his full debut. Getting on the ball making things tick right in the heart of the field, right where it’s most congested he was the calming influence for Manchester United.”

Will Kobbie Mainoo be a regular starter going forward?

We certainly think so. Mainoo’s performance at Everton will have really made a statement to Erik ten Hag.

As the great Sir Alex Ferguson once said, ‘Give youngsters a chance and they seldom let you down’. Mainoo is a shining example of this.

Combined with the fact the usual six of Casemiro is injured and not looking like the player he once was – now could seriously be the time for Mainoo to cement a spot.