“The standard” – Wigan goalkeeper heaps praise on one Man United star after FA Cup clash

Wigan Athletic goalkeeper and Manchester United academy graduate Ben Amos was full of praise for one player after the FA Cup clash between the sides on Monday evening.

Amos, 33, joined the United academy at the age of 11 and made his first-team debut in September 2008 during a 3-1 win over Middlesborough.

The shot-stopper left Old Trafford on a permanent basis in 2015 when he joined Bolton Wanderers. After a four-year spell at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, he moved to Charlton Athletic before heading to Wigan in 2021.

Amos was named on the bench for the clash against United in the FA Cup third round and watched on as his side were beaten 2-0.

However, following the full-time whistle, the goalkeeper took to social media to praise one United player on the pitch who impressed him.

Kobbie Mainoo stood out in the centre of midfield with yet another mature performance. He has been one of United’s best players since emerging into the team after he returned from injury.

The midfielder completed 61 of his 68 attempted passes, completed both of his attempted take-ons and won 10 out of 13 ground duels on the evening.

Amos praised the 18-year-old after the game and stated that he displayed the standard that is needed at Old Trafford after often training with some of United’s best players in recent years during his own time at the club.

“Mainoo, 18 yo, that’s the standard,” posted Amos on social media platform X, formally known as Twitter, with a shocked emoji added.

Whilt Mainoo did not pick up the official Man of the Match award – that was given to goalscorer Diogo Dalot – he was the choice for United’s fan-voted version.

Teammate Alejandro Garnacho was full of praise for his teammate after the game, too, replying to his Instagram post, “Man of the match again,” with a laughing emoji and goat emoji.