Kobbie Mainoo is getting a lot of Manchester United fans very excited (Picture: Getty Images)
Manchester United teenager Kobbie Mainoo is already better than his teammates Casemiro and Sofyan Amrabat, reckons former Red Devils midfielder Lee Sharpe.
The 18-year-old has made a grand total of five first team appearances for Manchester United, but he is already earning rave reviews.
He made his first competitive start for the club in the 3-0 win over Everton in the Premier League at the weekend and turned in an impressively assured display, which led to his Champions League debut at Galatasaray on Wednesday night.
Erik ten Hag’s midfield has been one of a number of problems for the Dutchman and Sharpe reckons Mainoo could be the answer, already superior to his far more experienced teammates Casemiro and Amrabat.
‘He looks like a natural in the team,’ Sharpe told 888Sport. ‘He slots in and doesn’t panic in situations – there were a couple of players around him last night, but he kept the ball and displayed some nice touches, he just never gets flustered.
‘He always looks composed and knows what’s around him – he comes across as an experienced first-teamer, but he’s only been in the team for two minutes. I’ve got high expectations for him – hopefully the manager and the club can protect him and play him at the right times.
‘When you’re bringing off your new signing, Sofyan Amrabat, to replace him with a young lad [against Galatasaray], it says a lot about his ability. You’ve also got Casemiro not playing at the moment, and I think Mainoo can keep each of them out of the team – I reckon he’s better than both of them.’
Alejandro Garnacho scored his third goal of the season as Manchester United drew at Galatasaray (Picture: Getty Images)
Sharpe, who won three Premier League titles with Manchester United, also has very high hopes for another teenager at the club, Alejandro Garnacho.
Mainoo shone in the win at Everton but it was Garnacho who stole the headlines with his stunning overhead kick and he certainly caught Sharpe’s attention.
‘Garnacho’s goal and recent performances are a huge positive moving forward. I think we’ve all seen his potential and what he’s capable of doing,’ said the 52-year-old England international.
‘The goal against Everton was an absolute worldie and probably Goal of the Season in a lot of people’s books. He’s clearly got a lot of ability – there were perhaps a few question marks over his mentality and attitude, but he’s got plenty of experienced players around him who can help him with that and guide him down the right path.
Garnacho’s wonder goal at Everton will be on highlight reels for years to come (Picture: Getty Images)
‘He’s an incredible talent and one of those players who you pay your money to see. He takes people on and is more of an old-fashioned winger – he’s very direct and can score goals, so hopefully he can maintain those performance levels.
‘I think he’s going to be a sensation for Manchester United for the next 10 or 15 years to come.’
MORE : Andre Onana fears AFCON could cost him his Manchester United future
MORE : Louis Saha insists Casemiro and Raphael Varane deserve ‘more respect’ from Erik ten Hag
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.