In Focus: Mainoo can solve United's midfield problem after classy debut

Kobbie Mainoo was handed his Manchester United debut in tricky circumstances last weekend.

Being thrown into the cauldron-like atmosphere at a partisan Goodison Park could have been overwhelming for an inexperienced 18-year-old.

But he coped brilliantly, emerging as one of the major positives from the Red Devils' 3-0 triumph.

Ahead of another tough away test at Newcastle, we take a closer look at the teenager's exciting breakthrough.

Dream debut

Mainoo was a composed midfield presence on Merseyside.

He completed 38 passes with an accuracy of 82.61%, showing his quality on the ball and driving the team forward.

The England Under-19 international was trusted by Erik ten Hag to anchor the midfield, with summer signing Sofyan Amrabat left on the bench.

In the absence of Casemiro, United may have potentially found a long-term solution in that position.

Positive signs

A No6 capable of progressing the ball from deeper areas is something the Red Devils have lacked, so the emergence of Mainoo could offer Ten Hag greater tactical flexibility in the future.

He also showed plenty of defensive discipline at Everton, supporting his centre-backs when required and making a key clearance off the line in the first half.

The hot prospect's team-mates were certainly impressed.

Bruno Fernandes said: "For me, he [Mainoo] is the Man of the Match. He put in a great performance. He is comfortable with the ball and never makes a mistake.

"For his age, he has so many qualities. He sees things before others."

Slow and steady

Mainoo did not start in United's 3-3 draw with Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Instead, he was brought on as a second-half substitute, with Ten Hag insisting the youngster needs to be eased into first-team action.

He said: "I am comfortable with Kobbie, we have seen on Sunday what he can do.

"But he can't play every game. He's coming back from an injury and he's a junior.

"So he has to get used to playing a number of games at a high level in a high intensity."

Mainoo still impressed when given his chance in Istanbul, completing all 10 of his passes and looking typically composed in another fiery atmosphere.

High ceiling

A Manchester United youth product since the age of nine, Mainoo will know there is a lot of work still to do if he hopes to become a first-team regular.

Plenty of promising youngsters have made fast starts at the club and ultimately failed to live up to their potential.

Speaking after the Everton game, former United midfielder Roy Keane said: "We don't want to get too carried away but I'm sure we will.

"The club obviously think highly of him [Mainoo].

"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."

After all the high praise, Ten Hag will hope there is plenty more to come from Mainoo as United prepare for one of the most challenging away games of the season on Tyneside.