Man United fans told to ‘calm down’ after “okay” Kobbie Mainoo performance vs Liverpool

Manchester United fans have been told to calm down after rave reviews about Kobbie Mainoo’s performance against Liverpool.

Kobbie Mainoo has risen to the forefront of Manchester United‘s midfield in the last month, being drafted in after injuries to Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Christian Eriksen left a spot free for the 18-year-old to showcase his talent.

Erik ten Hag has selected him to start three Premier League games, away against Everton, Newcastle United, and Liverpool, with Mainoo’s performance at Anfield earning particular praise.

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Mainoo played 82 minutes at Anfield, having 31 touches and completing 17 of his 19 attempted passes, also creating a chance for Alejandro Garnacho in the tie – but former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman believes that the performance is being overhyped and that United fans should calm down and not go “overboard” with their praise.

“I thought he was okay. I saw articles in the media saying that he was amazing, and I don’t believe he was,” he told Betfred. “He’s a young, inexperienced boy who came into a game like that at Anfield, against the league leaders and performed well defensively, but that was about it. 

“I hope he’s a far better player than his showing on Sunday suggests, but as a team defensively and in organisational situations, I thought Manchester United did well. I wouldn’t go overboard on what their players did yesterday because they just defended in a unit and tried to break at times, so there was nothing great going forward. Defensively they were impressive, though. 

“I wouldn’t go overboard on how good he was when it came to his creativity. I thought the four defenders did really well, Scott McTominay did a good job at leading the team as a captain, Mainoo did well, and [Sofyan] Amrabat ran around, but that was it really.

“We need to see him starting for Manchester United at home, putting in a performance in a 3-0 victory and being pivotal to what his side are doing creatively. We all know what a talent he is, there’s no doubt about that, but I wouldn’t go overboard about his performance in a 0-0 defensive display against Liverpool and claim he was amazing. 

“Let’s hope he does end up being amazing, though. I love it when kids come in, and they’re superstars. I have no issue with that, but I’m cautious about going overboard too soon regarding young players.”