Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo has won over a new fan with pundit Tim Sherwood now singing his praises.
Kobbie Mainoo has made a seamless transition to Premier League football, thriving on his first start in Manchester United’s 3-0 win against Everton.
He was hailed after the game by Bruno Fernandes, who described his performance as ‘amazing’.
Mainoo also left supporters absolutely convinced the club have unearthed another gem from the famous Carrington academy.
Kobbie Mainoo praised
Kobbie Mainoo is only 18, and played with the experience of a senior professional, eager to get on the ball, showing smart decision-making in possession and being in the right place at the right time.
He plaudits have been coming his way, with Tim Sherwood joining his queue of admirers.
Sherwood told the Wrighty and Kelly Show: “I thought he was outstanding. The reason being is that they are missing this number six player, he played pre-season he picked up an injury otherwise he would have played long before now.
“I just hope that Ten Hag sticks with him when Casemiro gets fit and throws him back in. I think he’s earned the right. Yes, it’s one game, but he’s played with such maturity.
“He reads danger, he’s not afraid to run towards his own goal as he is towards the opposition, he picks the right pass at the right time, looks tidy in possession, and you can tell the way his teammates give him the ball, they trust him.”
He gave an example of this, adding: “Onana’s roll out to him on the edge of the box, he trusts this young man, and I think he’s outstanding and has got a big future at the club.”
Sherwood went onto encourage Ten Hag to show faith with him, having failed to stick by Hannibal Mejbri when he made an impact earlier in the season, with the Tunisian back as a substitute, which led to the former Tottenham boss criticising the Manchester United manager.
“Don’t pick the personality, don’t pick the superstar over this kid. If he’s training and he earns the right, let him play. All of a sudden he might find two or three more of them.”
Manchester United do have more talent waiting in the wings
Manchester United do have plenty of talent coming through the academy. Not all of them will make it, the club were quite ruthless in the summer, and might not have got all the exits right, with Anthony Elanga and Teden Mengi making a name for themselves in the Premier League.
United’s under-18s side have a 100 per cent record in the league this season, and striker Ethan Wheatley scored four goals in a 5-1 win over Southampton at the weekend. He is just one of several players who have a shot to follow Mainoo, and they will all be playing with an extra spark over the coming weeks, knowing that there is a path ahead for them at Manchester United if they can excel.
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