Erik ten Hag provides two key reasons why Kobbie Mainoo starts for Man United vs Everton

Kobbie Mainoo makes his first start for Manchester United in the Premier League against Everton this afternoon.

Erik ten Hag has awarded the talented academy midfielder with his first league start in a difficult game, in difficult circumstances.

The Toffees are prepared to make Goodison Park a fierce atmosphere on Sunday afternoon following their 10-point deduction last week.

However, it is widely accepted that Mainoo deserves this call-up after his unfortunate injury during pre-season in the summer.

With the likes of Mason Mount and Casemiro unavailable, it provides the teenager an opportunity to show his level after getting match fitness with the youth sides at United and England in the last month.

Ten Hag has cited that match experience, as well as the performances during pre-season, as the two key reasons why Mainoo is ‘ready’ to make his full Premier League debut.

“Yeah, that’s always our approach,” he told club reporters when the phrase ‘if you’re good enough, you’re old enough’ was mentioned. “He showed during the pre-season but he dropped out with the injury.

“Now he’s back and he made it a long way. We’ve prepared him well, he played a couple of games in the last weeks and he’s ready to play.”

This clash will provide United with the opportunity to claw closer to the Premier League’s top four.