- Kobbie Mainoo won plaudits including from Gary Neville for his performance on Sunday
- Mainoo returned from injury to play 72 minutes for Man United at Everton
- No-one is fooled by the nature of Man United’s performances this season – GOOD
Gary Neville was full of praise for Kobi Maino after he starred on his league debut for Manchester United in their 3-0 Premier League win at Everton on Sunday.
Mainoo, 18, made his competitive debut for the club in January and his league debut as a substitute the following month, but progress this season has been hampered by a pre-season injury.
However, Erik ten Hag had the faith to select the England Under-19 player in his starting XI and Neville was complimentary during the match commentary on Sky Sports.
Neville said: “There’s an 18-year-old out there who looks more composed than anyone.”
He later said: “I think he was Manchester United’s best player. Great debut in the Premier League.”
Kobbie Mainoo has been praised by Gary Neville for his performance against Everton
![Mainoo played the first 72 minutes for Man United before being replaced by Sofyan Amrabat](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/26/18/78252823-0-image-a-19_1701022424977.jpg)
![Mainoo played the first 72 minutes for Man United before being replaced by Sofyan Amrabat](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/26/18/78252823-0-image-a-19_1701022424977.jpg)
Mainoo played the first 72 minutes for Man United before being replaced by Sofyan Amrabat
Neville also said Mainoo was the “standout player” of the match – but chose to hand the man of the match award to Alejandro Garnacho for his wonder goal.
Mainoo was Man United’s most successful dribbler in the match and made six entries in the final third, the most of any of Erik ten Hag’s players.
The 18-year-old played the opening 72 minutes of the match at Goodison Park before being replaced by Sofian Amrabat when the Red Devils went 2-0 up.
Mainoo injured his ankle during a friendly against Real Madrid in July, but his progress in rehabilitation and training has led the Ten Hag to believe he is fit to start at Goodison Park.
Before the game, Ten Haag told Sky Sports: “I think we’ve seen in pre-season but then he went off with an injury and he’s worked hard to get back.
“Now he’s back, he’s fit, he’s been playing games for the last few weeks, so he’s fit and ready.”
Mainoo made his senior team debut last term in the League Cup against Charlton Athletic in January, before making his Premier League debut as a substitute against Leicester City the following month.
He was named Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year for his work at Manchester United.
![The 18-year-old midfielder injured his ankle in a friendly against Real Madrid in July.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/26/18/73670587-0-The_18_year_old_midfielder_left_the_friendly_in_a_protective_boo-a-20_1701022432190.jpg)
![The 18-year-old midfielder injured his ankle in a friendly against Real Madrid in July.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/26/18/73670587-0-The_18_year_old_midfielder_left_the_friendly_in_a_protective_boo-a-20_1701022432190.jpg)
The 18-year-old midfielder injured his ankle in a friendly against Real Madrid in July.