Kobbie Mainoo sends fans 12-word message as Man United identify new ‘top target’

Kobbie Mainoo became the youngest Manchester United player to ever start against Liverpool in Premier League history on the weekend.

The 18-year-old was key in Erik ten Hag’s side securing a well-deserved point at Anfield and was one of the few players who created chances for The Reds in the game.

One of the best chances came through Mainoo, who played a killer pass behind the Liverpool backline to fellow academy graduate Alejandro Garnacho. However, Trent Alexander-Arnold was able to get a toe to the ball before the Argentine connected with his strike.

His calmness and quality on the ball helped United survive difficult moments in the game, and he was solid out-of-possession amongst the Liverpool domination.

Following the game, Mainoo sent United supporters a message on social media thanking them for their support at Anfield, as well as displaying intent for the upcoming games.

The teenager wrote: “Hard fought point, Top support, we keep it pushing to the next.”

Mainoo will be expecting to start again when United host West Ham on the weekend.

Meanwhile, reports from the Manchester Evening News have stated that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ‘top target’ for the incoming sporting director at the club has changed.

Previously, it has been widely believed that Paul Mitchell, formally of Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton, was the favourite for the job. However, the latest reports say that Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth is the top target.

It was added that Ineos regard Ashworth as the ‘best-in-class’ and would like to see him overseeing the footballing side of things, whilst current football director John Murtough is moved into more of an administrative role.

Ineos have received positive feedback on Murtough, according to the report, and the 48-year-old is keen to stay at Old Trafford and is a popular figure around the club.

Ratcliffe’s deal to take a 25 per cent stake, but full control of the sporting department, continues to be delayed and is unlikely to be complete before the New Year.