Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo showed what all the fuss is about with a near-perfect performance on his first Premier League start.
Kobbie Mainoo showed he was worth waiting for, with the teenager helping Manchester United to a 3-0 victory on his first start.
Mainoo, 18, looked composed in a difficult atmosphere at Goodison Park, made easier by Alejandro Garnacho’s early strike.
The young midfielder had already seen the ball before that third minute goal, getting a few early touches in, helping United to move the ball upfield.
Kobbie Mainoo impressive
Kobbie Mainoo earned praise from Manchester United supporters, while Bruno Fernandes lauded his performance as ‘amazing’.
United’s midfield has lacked balance this season, but yesterday, it looked effortlessly easy with Mainoo in there.
Mainoo even cleared a ball off the line when the score was 1-0. It was a vital intervention.
He wrote on Instagram after the game: “First Premier League start and a big 3 points, can’t ask for much more. Thanks for the support Reds❤️”
There were several replies from his Manchester United teammates, including second half substitute Hannibal Mejbri, who he has played alongside at youth level.
Galatasaray decision ahead
Kobbie Mainoo’s impressive performance was not a one-off. He looks like he is here to stay, with his confident display mirroring his outstanding pre-season efforts against Leeds, Lyon and Arsenal, before he was injured against Real Madrid.
The big decision facing United, is whether to start him in midweek against Galatasaray. That is a huge ask, but then, so is the next game away at Newcastle.
Mainoo likely won’t start three times in a week, we suspect, but he likely will start one of them. Erik ten Hag just has to decide which.
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