Kobbie Mainoo needs two things to become Manchester United regular

It says much of Kobbie Mainoo's impressive upward trajectory that supporters are demanding he starts less than a month after his Premier League debut.

Mainoo has been the shining light in an otherwise dismal campaign for United, who have already been eliminated form the Champions League and left with little hope of qualifying for next year's edition. The 18-year-old was injured for the first two months and has only started three matches, yet seems to be the source of hope at the club.

Erik ten Hag had planned to use Mainoo throughout this season, leaning on the teenager in moments when Casemiro or Sofyan Amrabat needed a rest. But the former is injured and the latter yet to find his groove in the Premier League. This season, Mainoo has been the best of the lot.

Same parking spot and living at home - how Mainoo is keeping his feet on the ground

Mainoo did what Cristiano Ronaldo did at Liverpool

Speaking after that outstanding performance at Everton in November, Gary Neville insisted the midfielder still had a long way to go and it's important to note he is by no means the finished product. United have seen their fair share of young promise fade but Mainoo is keen to keep absorbing the experience of his teammates.

"I think he has great players in front of him to learn [from] because he plays with one of the best in the world like Casemiro," club captain Bruno Fernandes told reporters after the win at Goodison Park. "He also has Sofyan [Amrabat] who plays in that position that is really good and he's getting everything from them.

“He wants to learn, is eager to learn and I think that's probably the best capability he has because he wants to learn every time. He's eager to listen to everyone to get better and better.”