Roy Keane has waxed lyrical over Kobbie Mainoo’s first Premier League start for Manchester United during the Red Devils’ 3-0 win over Everton.
Erik ten Hag decided to give Kobbie Mainoo his first start in England’s top division against a physically robust Everton side but the teenager was more than up to the task.
Starting alongside Scott McTominay, the midfielder was fantastic in the middle of the park with Gary Neville saying that the teenager looked to be the most experienced player on the pitch for the Red Devils.
Mainoo was the deepest midfielder at times and the poise and grace he possessed when he picked up the ball from the back four was a joy to behold.
Keane on Mainoo
One man who knows what it takes to play in the engine room for the Red Devils is Roy Keane. Speaking on Sky Sports after United’s dominant win over the Toffees, the Irishman was full of praise for the 18-year-old.
“Unbelievable, I don’t want to get too carried away but I’m sure we will,” Keane said of Mainoo. “He looked like he always had time on the ball and decision-making – when to go long when to go short. Off the ball as well, what an all-round performance.
“He was outstanding. He looked like a Manchester United player. Nice and brave, a lot of courage.”
It’s frightening to think that Mainoo is just 18 years of age with the calmness and composure he has on the ball, you could be forgiven for thinking he was a seasoned veteran of the game.
Mainoo’s chance
There was huge excitement amongst the fanbase during pre-season as the teenager was one of the club’s best players and looked to be fitting in nicely.
An unfortunate injury against Real Madrid meant the teenager missed the start of the season and it’s becoming clear that the midfielder may well have played a big part in the United team had he been fit.
The time is now for the teenager to show why the United fanbase are so excited about the 18-year-old. With Ten Hag’s first-choice midfielders either injured or struggling, Mainoo has a chance to cement himself in the Dutchman’s team.