Manchester United finally have a midfielder to bring them ‘joy’ this season

Kobbie Mainoo of Man United has long been thought of as an extraordinary prospect, and in recent weeks, he took a step forward.

Mainoo started at Anfield. (Image: 2023 Manchester United FC)

Despite being the youngest player on the field at Anfield, Kobbie Mainoo gave off the impression of a player with more than 200 senior appearances. Mainoo is nearly flat because he is so easygoing.

Many questioned if Mainoo would be too young to start against Liverpool, but he was fantastic and it’s good to see a United midfielder play with such poise. Over the past month, Mainoo has made three starts at some of the most thrilling venues in England: Goodison Park, St. James’ Park, and Anfield. He has excelled in every test.

When he came on as a substitute against Galatasaray in the Champions League, he showed no signs of fear. His unwavering temperament will undoubtedly help him succeed in his career.

Those who know him best predicted he would play for England in the future, even before he made his first-team debut, and fans are now questioning what the young player’s potential is given his recent performances.

Mainoo has a lot of potential, and every week there are more and more requests for him to start. Even though he is only eighteen, he makes a big difference in the midfield when he plays, so Erik ten Hag needs to use him more.

About Mainoo, Ten Hag remarked, “He did very good,” following his performance against Liverpool. “I have no doubt that he will quickly adapt to the intense nature of the Premier League, which will make him even more proficient.

“He’ll be even more composed, and the team will love his ball-handling skills and scanning.” He demonstrated that you are old enough when you are good enough.

After recovering from the preseason injury he suffered against Real Madrid, Mainoo has been gradually added back to the starting lineup. Had that injury not occurred, he probably would have earned a regular starting position by now.

The recent academy graduate has required patience, but the wait has been well worth it. He had a mature performance at Anfield, winning four duels and passing with an accuracy of 89%.

Mainoo was composed when receiving the ball and started two promising attacks, despite the fact that United was generally careless with it and at times it looked like a hot potato.

One of his best qualities is his ability to play one step ahead of the opposition, which gives him the confidence to pick up the ball in any position. His passing range has always been one of his strongest points.

Kobbie Mainoo arrives to face Liverpool (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Mainoo provides the team with a level of calmness that they have been lacking in their midfield for the past few seasons. His teammates, on the other hand, frequently appear to lose their cool and move the ball as soon as they get it.

Though he occasionally commits this offense, Bruno Fernandes has been the best addition since Sir Alex Ferguson left the team. As a result, build-up play can be hurried and the right pass isn’t always made.

Despite having made very few senior appearances, Mainoo nearly always chooses the right pass. It would be unwise to remove him from the team for the match against West Ham because of his exceptional ability to hold the ball.

This season, the Stockport-born boy has not started games in a row. However, that should change this weekend when United plays West Ham, a match that takes place two days before Christmas.

Mainoo was starting for the academy against PSV at Leigh Sports Village around this time last year, and the game report from that encounter hinted that it wouldn’t be long before he made his debut.

The young player then made his senior debut a few weeks later in the Carabao Cup against Charlton, and a few weeks after that, he played in the Premier League against Leicester.

Since then, Mainoo has prospered, and his 2024 could be even more thrilling than his 2023.

He is the midfield “joy” player that United has been waiting for.