Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo made his Premier League debut in the 3-0 win over Leicester City at the weekend.
Mainoo, 17, was making his third appearance for United in total, following showings in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
The teenager played the last 10 minutes of United’s 3-0 win over Leicester, and looked comfortable on the big stage at Old Trafford.
This won’t have been a surprise to anyone who saw him star in the FA Youth Cup last season alongside Alejandro Garnacho.
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Kobbie Mainoo Premier League debut
Kobbie Mainoo made 11 touches during his brief cameo, completing seven of eight passes attempted.
The central midfielder was on the bench in midweek at the Nou Camp and is expected to be for the return game against Barcelona this week too.
While injuries in midfield have accelerated Mainoo’s opportunities, he made his first start last month even before Christian Eriksen went down.
Opportunities under Erik ten Hag are earned and not given, and Diogo Dalot’s message to him after the game was telling.
Dalot wrote on social media ‘well deserved’ in response to Mainoo’s message on Instagram, while Facundo Pellistri and Tyrell Malacia also applauded him.
This is just the start for Mainoo, who has so much more to offer over the years ahead. United signed Mainoo to a new long-term contract, a decision applauded by Bruno Fernandes.