Micah Richards and Gary Lineker both agreed that Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo has been “outstanding” this season and impressed against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
Mainoo has been a standout player for United this season and offered manager Erik ten Hag a reliable — and consistent — option in the heart of the Red Devils’ midfield.
The 18-year-old midfielder made his first Premier League start for United in the 3-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park and earned rave reviews for his performance.
Mainoo also impressed during United’s 3-3 draw with Turkish side Galatasaray after he came off the bench in last month’s Champions League fixture in Istanbul.
The United player returned to the starting XI for the trip to Anfield and delivered a composed performance, with Mainoo praised by fans for his midfield display.
Ten Hag praised Mainoo after the Liverpool clash and the England Under-19s international was lauded by pundits for his performance against United’s rivals.
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Richards and Lineker impressed by Mainoo
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Richards, Lineker and Alan Shearer discussed Liverpool vs United and the trio were largely disappointed by the overall match.
However, Richards was in awe at Mainoo’s emergence on the scene at United and thought the United youngster was “outstanding” in the match against Liverpool.
The Sky Sports pundit admitted that he was impressed with how Mainoo handled the task of playing at Anfield, with Lineker overall agreeing with Richards’ assessment.
“We have to mention Kobbie Mainoo, though, don’t we? He’s been outstanding,” Richards said.
“The games that he’s played and away from home, big games we’re talking. He did well at Everton, I think I remember that game.
“He did well against Liverpool. Getting on the ball and just doing the basic things. Nothing too extravagant. Just doing the basics really well, tackling when he needs to, [in] the right position, obviously comfortable on the ball, but he took no risk.
“For a young player who’s what, 17, 18? To go to Anfield, yes, it wasn’t the best atmosphere for a normal if you want to call it a derby or the two biggest clubs in English football, but he had a really level mature performance again.
“And I just thought he was outstanding. I really did.”
Mainoo has been a breath of fresh air for United
Mainoo is usually the main talking point from United matches in recent weeks and it is not surprising considering the impact that he has had in midfield so far.
The United midfielder has kept a level head in midfield and done what needs to be done swiftly and effectively, which has added stability to Ten Hag’s team.
It’s hardly surprising that Mainoo has emerged as a shock target for Manchester City because he’s exactly the type of player that Pep Guardiola would love to have.
The United starlet’s performances aren’t going unnoticed, with even Gareth Southgate keen to have Mainoo commit his international future to England.
Mainoo has plenty of time to continue his development in the United first team and there’s no doubt the midfielder will be a consistent starter for Ten Hag in the future.
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