What Kobbie Mainoo did when he was substituted gave United fans extra reason to be excited

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Amid the chaos of the final 30 minutes at Old Trafford, one Manchester United player, in particular, looked composed beyond his years.

Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund will understandably get all the plaudits with the Argentine, in particular, putting in his best performance in a Manchester United shirt to date.

As for Hojlund, the Danish striker netted the winner and revealed that he was the “happiest man alive”, it was an exciting moment for the Old Trafford fanbase as the pair have finally exploded into life.

There was one other player who quietly went about his business and he was the best midfielder on the pitch, 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo.

Mainoo’s impact

After he had one bad moment against David Moyes’ West Ham United, with the midfielder being robbed of possession which eventually led to Mohammed Kudus firing in the crucial second goal, he was brilliant against Villa.

With Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes ahead of him, Mainoo was essentially the lone pivot which looked to be a huge risk against a Villa midfield that has caused Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea huge problems in recent games.

Mainoo, however, looked so composed and calm, even when being pressed by Villa’s John McGinn, the teenager kept things ticking along and he really did not look out of place.

It’s frightening that an 18-year-old can be dropped into a faltering midfield and elevate it a few levels but that is a testament to just how good this teenager is and can be.

Mainoo’s fearlessness

As well as his fearlessness on the ball when he was being pressed by his opponent, it was a moment when he was taken off the Old Trafford pitch that really highlighted his no-fear attitude.

With the game at 2-2, Mainoo was taken off the pitch to be replaced by Scott McTominay and as he was being taken off he threw his arms up in the air encouraging the Old Trafford crowd to make more noise.

For an 18-year-old to be doing this shows his character and the huge belief and confidence he has in himself. For a player who looks to be quiet on the pitch and just gets on with his game, he seems to have that underlying confidence and belief that a United footballer needs.

It’s an open secret at this point but Mainoo has exactly what it takes to be a big success at Old Trafford.