Featured Image Credit: Image: Manchester United
Topics: Manchester United, Fred, Erik Ten Hag, Fan Reactions
Josh Lawless
Topics: Manchester United, Fred, Erik Ten Hag, Fan Reactions
Manchester United fans have been filled with excitement after seeing 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo rinse Fred in pre-season.
United's first-teamers recently returned to pre-season at the club's AON Training Complex in Carrington before they head out to Oslo to play Leeds United on Wednesday.
New signing Mason Mount has been involved in sessions but United supporters have been seriously impressed by youngster Mainoo.
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The midfielder, who is from Stockport and joined the club at the age of nine, made his debut for United against Charlton Athletic in the 3-0 Carabao Cup win in January.
He then came off the bench in the FA Cup victory over Reading, before making his Premier League debut as a substitute against Leicester City in February and signing a new, long-term deal.
And fans are convinced he's ready for an even bigger role in the 2023/24 campaign after looking bright in pre-season training.
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In two clips widely circulating on social media, Mainoo displays impressive composure on the ball when pressed by Fred.
His body position to receive the ball and ability to use strength and intelligence to roll Fred and make the pass received huge praise.
It might seem simple to some but Mainoo is displaying serious midfield qualities and supporters are convinced he's going to take the Alejandro Garnacho path this season.
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One claimed: "Everyone will know Mainoo by the end of the season."
A second said: "Physically he's definitely ready look how fred got pushed back."
A third weighed in: "Breakthrough season, incoming."
Another analysed: "His awareness is his best attribute. In my opinion, Even before Fred was running at him, he lowered his body position, shielded himself from Fred."
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A fifth had the same view, commenting: "Just like Garnacho last szn, i expect this to be Mainoo’s breakout szn. He’s that good already."
A final user echoed previous comments, writing: "Very impressive from Mainoo, I think he has a breakthrough season in 23/24, big season ahead."
Mainoo was the latest recipient of the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year at United, following in the footsteps of the likes of Paul Scholes and Marcus Rashford.
He appears to be wearing the No.37 on his training gear as opposed to the previous No.73 he sported, which could hint at more first-team involvement.