Manchester United teenager Kobbie Mainoo started his first Premier League game at Old Trafford and had a night to remember.
Erik ten Hag has tried to use Kobbie Mainoo sparingly since he returned to fitness last month. This has meant that Mainoo’s starts have all come away from home, against Everton, Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham.
It has not been an easy run, yet, this is the confidence the manager has in the 18-year-old midfielder.
Last night he got his chance to shine at Old Trafford, starting against Aston Villa, and his composed performance helped the team to a 3-2 victory.
Mainoo stars in United win
At first it was not looking like a great night for Manchester United, who went 2-0 down inside the opening half hour.
Both of these goals came from set pieces, and in the general run of play, Manchester United were the better team, eventually getting the rewards.
Mainoo’s FA Youth Cup winning teammate Alejandro Garnacho deservedly took the plaudits, scoring two of the team’s goals, while Rasmus Hojlund netting his first league goal was a major talking point.
This meant Mainoo’s display slipped a little under the radar, but it shouldn’t.
Lining up as the midfield pivot along with Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes, up against an experienced Aston Villa trio of John McGinn, Leandro Dendoncker and Douglas Luiz, Mainoo more than held his own.
He showed no ill-effects of his uncharacteristic error against West Ham at the weekend, playing an accomplished performance as the Red Devils saw the best of the chances with 13 shots to Villa’s 10.
United fans back Mainoo
Manchester United supporters had a lot to say about Kobbie Mainoo’s performance. Here is a look at the reaction on social media.
“Imagine being 18 and being as talented as Kobbie Mainoo,” one fan wrote.
Others remarked: “Kobbie Mainoo! What a generational talent,” and “Kobbie Mainoo was brilliant tonight.”
A fourth fan wrote: “Kobbie Mainoo is just 18 btw, played as a lone pivot, dictated the tempo of the game in the second half. We got a gem on our hands.”
A fifth supporter added: “You people actually don’t realize how good Kobbie Mainoo is. A 100m asset if he’s playing for Brighton.”
Other Manchester United fans said: “Kobbie Mainoo we should build our midfield around that boy,” and “Kobbie Mainoo making Douglas Luiz look like he can’t play ball… This boy will cook more.”
More comments included: “Kobbie Mainoo is him, very composed and don’t misplace passes. The future is bright.”
And another added: “Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo were on a whole other level tonight! They are absolutely outstanding youngsters.”
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