Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo continues to look a class act, and produced another big performance for the club.
Manchester United have struggled under Erik ten Hag to win big matches away from home. But now the manager has Kobbie Mainoo at his disposal.
Mainoo, 18, was named as a started and played 90 minutes in the 2-1 win, before being substituted off in stoppage time.
Ten Hag stuck by Mainoo after the teenager picked up a first half yellow card, demonstrating the trust the manager has in him to keep his discipline.
The yellow itself was a smart foul, with Mainoo picking his moment to stop a Villa counter-attack in it’s tracks just before half-time.
Kobbie Mainoo enjoying his football
It is a pleasure to watch Kobbie Mainoo play football, with his calmness in possession resulting in a wide variety of passes, and ability to keep the ball away from opponents.
He has a blossoming partnership with Casemiro, and the pair have been key to the team’s strong run of results.
Mainoo is well aware of United’s unbeaten start to 2024, with an Instagram post featuring just one-word summing up what is important to the team right now – Momentum.
Manchester United teammates respond
Kobbie Mainoo is a top talent and England manager Gareth Southgate was in attendance at Villa Park to watch his performance.
It was a display summed up in a response from teammate Diogo Dalot, who wrote simply ‘Engine’, referring to the way the teenager is powering the rest of the team’s displays.
Mainoo created four goalscoring chances in Manchester United’s win, the most he has managed in any game for the club so far, demonstrating his creative side.
He had 52 touches in total, with six ball recoveries, one interception and four duels won.
There is a lot more to come from Mainoo, and it is both scary and exciting to think how good he can become.