English-born Ghanaian youngster Kobbie Mainoo made an instant impact when he came off the bench in Manchester United’s friendly against Cadiz.
The half-time substitute was eager to get on the ball and scored just two minutes after coming on.
While his shot took a little deflection, it was on target and he made his own luck. He was one of United’s better players in the 4-2 defeat.
Mainoo was eager to get on the ball and play passes around, and while it was a physical test against a more experienced Cadiz side, he gave a good account of himself.
Mainoo was praised by MUTV studio pundits and former players Wes Brown and Paul Woolston, the latter of who has coached him.
Both pundits made clear how highly they rate the academy midfielder, who made the first team bench for a Premier League game earlier this season.
Mainoo, 17, is a player both tip for the top, having followed his performances in the FA Youth Cup last season.
Woolston said: “He is powerful, strong, very young, the goal is very well deserved from the way he’s started this campaign.
“When he gets his opportunities, he never lets anyone down, he’s a young lad full of immense talent with a good head on his shoulders.”
Champions League winner Brown echoed the comments and said he is intrigued whether Mainoo will go out on loan or stick around and be fast-tracked into the team like Alejandro Garnacho.
He said: “The better players the manager keeps hold of, to train with them every day and get his chance, hopefully he’s one of them, and we can see more of him.
“Put him straight in with the lads and see if he can compete with them.”
Mainoo is already a regular in Manchester United’s under-21 side and did his prospects no harm with his performance last night.
