Micah Richards explains what he loved about Kobbie Mainoo’s performance for United

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Micah Richards has explained what he loved the most about Kobbie Mainoo’s performance for Manchester United against Everton.

Kobbie Mainoo was handed his first Premier League start by Erik ten Hag at Goodison Park and the teenager hugely impressed for Manchester United.

The teenage midfielder played as the deepest man in the engine room and would oftentimes drop between the centre-backs and progress the play through the lines, which United have lacked this season.

Mainoo didn’t do anything spectacular in the game, he didn’t score an overhead kick for example, but the 18-year-old did not look nervous under pressure and was very composed throughout.

Richards on Mainoo

Speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast, former Manchester City right-back Micah Richards was effusive in his praise for Mainoo and detailed what he loved most about the teenager’s performance.

“Whether it was clearing the ball off the line, or beating a player in the middle of the park, he did it without fear.

“I loved that he didn’t shy away from the ball and looked composed and not under too much pressure,” Richards said.

Mainoo completed 83 per cent of the passes he attempted at Goodison, he also won 60% of his ground duels and 66 per cent of his aerial duels, it was a confident and assured performance from the Englishman.

As a result of this good performance, England manager Gareth Southgate may well seek talks with the teenager over his international future, he was that good.

Mainoo’s tough tests

If the midfielder has done enough to be a first-choice option for Ten Hag, there will certainly be some tough tests to come for the 18-year-old.

Tonight’s game against Galatasaray will be followed by a tough test at another hostile ground in St James Park before a home game against Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea.

The midfielder didn’t look phased by the atmosphere at Goodison Park and he looks to have a mature head on his young shoulders, don’t be surprised if the teenager continues his brilliant start in a Red Devils shirt.