Gary Neville praises Kobbie Mainoo following his first Premier League start.
Gary Neville was full of praise for Kobbie Mainoo after he played a starring role in Manchester United’s first league start against Everton on Sunday.
Mainoo, 18, made his competitive debut for the club in January and his league debut the following month as a substitute, but his progress this season has been delayed by a pre-season injury.
Erik ten Hag, on the other hand, had the confidence to start the England Under-19s player, and Neville was complimentary during his match commentary on Sky Sports.
‘There’s an 18-year-old out there who appears more composed than anyone,’ Neville added.
‘I think he’s been Manchester United’s best player by a street,’ he subsequently stated. ‘Excellent Premier League debut.’
Neville also stated that Mainoo was the’standout player’ of the game, but he chose to award the man of the match award to Alejandro Garnacho for his spectacular goal.
Mainoo was Man United’s most effective dribbler in the game, entering the final third six times, the most of any of Erik ten Hag’s players.
The 18-year-old started the game at Goodison Park for the first 72 minutes before being substituted by Sofyan Amrabat with the Red Devils ahead 2-0.
Mainoo suffered an ankle injury in a friendly against Real Madrid in July, but his progress in recuperation and training convinced ten Hag that he was ready to play at Goodison Park.
Gary Neville praises Kobbie Mainoo following his first Premier League start.
‘I think we’ve seen in pre-season, but then he pulled out with injury and he worked hard to get back,’ ten Hag said before the game.
‘Now he’s back, he’s match fit, he’s been playing games for a few weeks, so he’s fit and ready.’
Last season, Mainoo made his senior club debut in the League Cup against Charlton Athletic in January, before making his Premier League debut as a substitute against Leicester City the following month.
For his efforts at Manchester United, he was named the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year.
