By Samuel A. November 26, 2023
Manchester United put three past wasteful Everton to maintain a perfect Premier League run in November, however, the major stars of the game were academy graduates – Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. Garnacho’s stunning overhead kick in the early moments of the game was the main highlight at Goodison Park, but Kobbie Mainoo’s display in central midfield was another huge positive for Erik ten Hag’s side. The 18 year old made his first Premier League start after coming back from a long term injury, having only previously featured as a late substitute against Leicester in February last season.He made a vital goalline clearance to keep Manchester United in front after Garnacho’s goal and was solid in possession and out of possession as well.
“Unbelievable,” Roy Keane said. “We don’t want to get too carried away but I’m sure we will”, he continued as he praised the young lad. “He looked like he always had time on the ball today, his decision making, in terms of when to go long when to go short, in terms of off the ball as well. What an all round performance.
“The club obviously think highly of him. With the build up to the game today, coming to Everton, for the manager to put him in, he and the staff around the place obviously must trust him. Good luck to the kid. He was outstanding. It’s a great start for him. Let’s hope he stays injury free and gets a run of games for Man Utd because he looked a Man Utd type of player. Nice and brave, lots of courage. I loved watching him.”
Manchester United’s gaffer was as well impressed, adding that he would have given the youngster a chance sooner this season had it not been for an injury he suffered during preseason. “He has a lot of abilities,” said the Manchester United boss in his post-match press conference. “It was a really disappointing moment in preseason when he got a bad injury, for him and also for our team because I know he can progress a lot if he plays as he did today. I know young players can develop quickly. We thought it was the moment to bring him in. He did a great job. Now he has to build on this.”
They’ll look to capitalize on this momentum as they travel to Turkey to decide their Champions League fate at Galatasaray on Wednesday.
