Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo produced a performance wise beyond his years in the team’s draw at Anfield.
Kobbie Mainoo, 18, was one of the best players on the pitch as Manchester United earned a 0-0 draw at Anfield.
The teenager partnered Sofyan Amrabat in midfield for the first time, and the pair were excellent together as United went toe to toe with Liverpool.
This was only Mainoo’s third Premier League start, and his first in a fortnight. Once again, he showed he belongs at this level.
Kobbie Mainoo talked up
Former Manchester United youth prospect Phil Bardsley talked up Kobbie Mainoo’s performance, speaking to MUTV’s Matchday Review.
He invoked Sir Alex Ferguson‘s faith in youth as providing the principles for Mainoo deserving his chance, something this club has always tried to abide by, going back to the Sir Matt Busby era.
Bardsley said: “Sir Alex used to say ‘play with courage’ and 18-years-old in the middle of the park he plays beyond his years.
“He was an absolute superstar and I love seeing him play football.”
Mainoo almost decided the outcome of the game with an incisive pass that cut Liverpool open and set Alejandro Garnacho in on goal, before a last-ditch tackle from Trent Alexander-Arnold saved the home side.
Throughout his performance, Mainoo was combative as well as showing a silky touch, and kept his discipline after picking up a first half yellow card for a mistimed tackle.
He was substituted with 10 minutes to go, and United arguably lost a little control during this stretch.
A well-earned point
Manchester United entered the game at Anfield with few giving the team a chance of success. The team did not let this bother them.
They produced a disciplined and controlled performance that flattened the Anfield atmosphere, and United had the best chance of the game in the second half with Rasmus Hojlund missing a late opportunity.
Erik ten Hag told club media: “We could have scored one of the two big opportunities and even won the game, but I think we defended very well.”
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
