During the 4-3 defeat to Salford City for Manchester United’s under-21s last week, one player stood out more than most on the pitch, which is a feat in itself coming up against first-team regulars for the EFL League Two side. For Manchester United, that standout performer was Kobbie Mainoo.
The teenage midfielder is causing serious waves amongst the United fanbase with there being calls for the 18-year-old to start during the Red Devils’ tough run of fixtures over the next few weeks.
The Englishman looked promising during pre-season and he shone against Arsenal and their £100 million midfielder Declan Rice.
The midfielder evaded tackles well, progressed the ball effortlessly and looked like an experienced United player in the engine room for Erik ten Hag.
The unfortunate injury that he suffered against Real Madrid has kept him out of action since then but the time may be right for this weekend’s game to be his big chance.
Kobbie Mainoo deserves an opportunity:
With the injury to Casemiro set to keep him out of the team until Christmas, there is no better time than the present to include the 18-year-old midfielder in the starting lineup for the upcoming run of fixtures.
“He gets his chance because he deserves it. Because he showed it in the Under-21s and in our training,” said an excited Ten Hag during pre-season training this summer to the media.
Kobbie Mainoo has proven himself to the manager, Ten Hag needs to be brave and believe in the midfielder.
Luton at Old Trafford in front of a home crowd who will be patient with you is exactly the right type of atmosphere to drop the youngster into.
He featured for 90 minutes against FC Copenhagen’s under-19s, the time is now for the 18-year-old to break into the team.
No other midfielder has nailed down a spot in Erik ten Hag’s team this season. So this is the time is right for the involvement of a youngster.
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