Erik ten Hag gave Kobbie Mainoo his Premier League starting debut for Manchester United. In it, the eighteen-year-old talent made a particularly strong impression. English analysts are therefore enthusiastic about Mainoo.

Ten Hag previously made Mainoo debut in a competitive match earlier this year, but granted him his starting debut in the league against Everton. 

'There was an eighteen-year-old who looked calmer than anyone else,' said Gary Neville in his own podcast. 'I think he was by far the best player for Manchester United. A beautiful Premier League debut. He has qualities, otherwise, he wouldn’t play for Manchester United and wouldn’t be chosen by Erik ten Hag. And to play like that at Goodison Park, where the atmosphere can be fierce.'

'The biggest compliment I can give him, and it hurts to say this, is that he looked like a Manchester City player. I thought he was someone Pep Guardiola would look at, someone he would want in his midfield,' said Neville.

Roy Keane felt the same way. 'Incredible. I don't want to get too carried away, but I'm sure we will. He was great without the ball too, what a performance. I know the club is very positive about him. Good luck to him. It was a great start for him. Let's hope he stays injury-free and gets a number of games for Manchester United, because today he played like a Man United-type player. He was very brave, great to watch.'

Ten Hag is, of course, also pleased with Mainoo's performance. 'He has many qualities,' said the Dutchman afterwards. 'It was disappointing that he got injured in the preparation, because he could have developed well. We felt this was the moment to bring him. He did great and now he needs to build on this.'

The local Manchester Evening News rated Mainoo with an 8, the highest score of all the players. The same score was given to Alejandro Garnacho, who went viral with his bicycle kick. Andre Onana kept a clean sheet and was rated with a 7.