Manchester United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo could make his first appearance of the 2023/24 season against Everton tomorrow.
Mason Mount, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro are sidelined due to injuries. This leaves Erik ten Hag short of options in the middle.
Kobbie Mainoo enjoyed a sublime pre-season that left the United fans and Ten Hag raving about him.
The manager showed faith in the 18-year-old by starting him against Arsenal and Real Madrid. Unfortunately, he picked up an ankle injury against Madrid.
Mainoo made three appearances for England’s Under-19s during the international break, which suggests the midfielder is now fully fit.
The Red Devils have a crucial schedule ahead of them.
They have three consecutive away games in the next seven days – Everton, Galatasaray and Newcastle United.
The trip to Galatasaray is a must-win for Man United if they want to stay in the Champions League.
They cannot afford to drop points to the Magpies as they are a direct competitor for the Premier League top four spots.
Facing 19th-placed Everton won’t be a cakewalk as they would be motivated to fight back after their 10-point punishment for breaching financial regulations.
Due to the ongoing injury crisis, Sofyan Amrabat is expected to take the defensive midfielder role.
Scott McTominay can occupy the number eight spot, with Bruno Fernandes playing right behind the striker.
Ten Hag may unleash Mainoo from the bench in the second half.
The starlet is a technically gifted midfielder with elite passing ability and good game awareness.
He is also a hard worker off the ball, always looking to press the opponents to regain ball possession.
He rose through United’s youth system very quickly. This is the time for him to vindicate captain Bruno Fernandes’ decision to call him a ‘star boy.’
