With Manchester United failing to break headstrong Newcastle on Sunday, there was an unfamiliar face on the bench.
In the absences of Anthony Martial and Christian Eriksen, Erik ten Hag gave a place on the bench to academy youngster Kobbie Mainoo.
Speaking before the game, Ten Hag acknowledged that the 17-year-old was not there by chance or as a symbolic gesture. The United manager emphasized that he was there on his own merits, as he met the high standards set to be part of the first-team setup.
According to The Mirror, in a player profile, Mainoo is described as ‘different class’ and the ‘royal deal’.
The Mirror reports: “Certainly a lot has been said about Mainoo ahead of the Red Devils’ possible debut.”
“After a 2-1 pre-season friendly loss to non-league side Altrincham, commentator Jonny Crowther touted the midfielder as a different class.”
Stockport-born Mainoo initially played for Cheadle & Gatley junior football club before the Red Devils swooped in on him when he was just nine years old.
Since then, it has gone from strength to strength and is currently playing an important role in the Under-21s, his first season at that level.
Since his promotion to full-back, he has fit right in, emerging as one of the players likely to step into the spotlight and make an impact. Others have come before Mainoo and become irrelevant, but he seems like a sure-fire prospect.
The Englishman was a key player last season as the youth side went ahead to win the FA Youth Cup against Nottingham Forest.
In May of this year, the young star was rewarded with his first professional contract. United know they have a potential world champion on their hands.
Mainoo will no doubt be buoyed by his inclusion in the first team in such a crucial match. Hopefully he continues to impress and it will only be a matter of time until he makes a senior debut.
