Ian Wright has issued his verdict on the performance of Kobbie Mainoo after Manchester United produced a fantastic effort to knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup in their quarter-final on Sunday.
Erik ten Hag‘s side have booked their spot in the last four of the competition, where they will face Coventry City for a place in the final. But they needed to come back on two occasions to beat Liverpool in a thriller at Old Trafford.
It was not a perfect performance from United. Liverpool shot themselves in the foot on a few occasions. But the home side deserve enormous credit for finding a way to win – when they probably would have been written off a couple of times.
Ian Wright full of praise for Kobbie Mainoo after dramatic Manchester United win
Once again, Kobbie Mainoo was one of the standout performers for ten Hag’s side. Mainoo has been so impressive since beginning his run in the side earlier this season. And of course, his form has now been rewarded with a late call-up to the England squad for this international break.
The 18-year-old already appears to have so many strings to his bow. According to Whoscored, he completed all four dribbles he attempted. Meanwhile, he also made two tackles and three interceptions.
And speaking on Wrighty’s House, Ian Wright suggested that he is so excited for the future of the youngster.
“Can I just mention, Garnacho’s a massive problem for everybody. I still see Kobbie Mainoo, the game was very chaotic. But in spells and in moments, he was doing some unbelievable things,” he said. “His passing, his dribbling through people, everything what he was doing. I thought it was a very impressive performance in a game that’s a massive game for him and his age. And the way he dealt with it, he’s very, very calm,” he said.
“As soon as they get the structure right around him, so then he can start to learn and build a game and know where he needs to be, rather than being so all over the place because it’s so chaotic in there. Then we’re really going to see the best of him. We really are.”
Teenager has taken his opportunity with both hands
It is remarkable to think that Mainoo had only made three appearances for the first-team before this season. He looks to be so comfortable at this level. And, as Wright suggests, he is only going to improve as United kick on.
He has probably benefitted from how underwhelming ten Hag’s men have been this season. Obviously, his talent suggests that his run in the side was always going to come at some stage.
However, it does feel as though he has had so little competition for a place in the middle of the park. He has definitely taken his opportunity with both hands and ran with it this year.
As Wright notes, this is a player United can build their team around in the years to come.
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