Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports
Topics: Kobbie Mainoo, Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, Manchester United, Football, Fan Reactions
Marcus Chan
Topics: Kobbie Mainoo, Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, Manchester United, Football, Fan Reactions
Pep Guardiola's reaction to a moment involving Kobbie Mainoo has got Manchester United fans talking.
On Sunday afternoon, Guardiola's men welcomed rivals United to the Etihad Stadium for the first Manchester derby of the season.
Ahead of the kick-off, an emotional tribute was paid to former world champion boxer and life-long Manchester City fan Ricky Hatton, who sadly passed away at the age of just 46 on Sunday morning.
On the pitch, City were clearly a class above as a goal by Phil Foden plus a brace from Erling Haaland sealed a comfortable 3-0 victory.
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As a result, United are 14th in the Premier League table, having only amassed four points from as many matches.
During the match, a moment involving United star Mainoo and Guardiola went viral on social media.
Mainoo was brought on in the 62nd minute, replacing Noussair Mazraoui.
Although the Englishman failed to inspire the Red Devils to make a stunning comeback, he did manage to get United fans talking.
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In a video that was posted on social media, Mainoo was seen winning the ball back before wiggling his way out of a tight space, leaving Foden and Rodri in his rear view mirror.
On the touchline, Guardiola was spotted putting his hands on his head in disbelief as Mainoo drove towards the City defence.
Reacting in the comments section, one fan said: "Kobbie Mainoo should’ve started the game. Just look at Pep’s reaction."
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Another tweeted: "Mainoo looks ready, and Pep’s reaction says it all—he would’ve made a difference!"
A third fan added: "Kobbie Mainoo's ability overall obviously isnt the issue but with Amorims style and tactics he needs an 8 who can be truly box to box."
However, someone else wrote: "I know Maino is good but we hype this player too much."
A fifth commented: "Why didn’t Mainoo give it to Bruno?????"
Speaking last week, Amorim stated that Mainoo is 'not used to fighting for this place'.
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The Portuguese said: "He’s not used to fighting for his place, maybe. He’s uncomfortable, but he’s a very good kid. He wants to learn. Sometimes it’s hard to push different things from the players.
"Sometimes I expect more from Kobbie Mainoo. Sometimes, maybe if I start him more, Kobbie Mainoo is going to play and he’s going to get hard to take out."
United are back in action this weekend when they take on Chelsea at Old Trafford.