Man United legend Vidic compares Kobbie Mainoo to a former Ballon d'Or winner

Manchester United great Nemanja Vidic has compared Kobbie Mainoo to former Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric after his impressive display against Liverpool.

Mainoo has quickly cemented himself as an undisputed starter under Erik ten Hag this season, having been promoted from the academy ranks after catching the eye.

His rapid rise also saw him make his England senior debut in the defeat by Brazil at Wembley, with team-mates and pundits alike showering praise on the 18-year-old.

The youngster shone again in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool at the weekend after netting a wondergoal to fire United ahead against their historic rivals at Old Trafford.

Mainoo twisted cleverly inside the penalty area after receiving the ball to his feet and bent a stunning strike into the top corner, his first-ever home goal for the club.

And Vidic, speaking at the final whistle, lauded the prodigy's in-game awareness.

'Mainoo has been fantastic, especially his awareness in these areas,' Vidic told Premier League Productions. 'He reminds me sometimes of Modric.

'He always feels who is behind him. You can see, he took the first touch, straight away moved to the side, then it was a great strike. He's difficult to defend against.'

Mainoo has proven his versatility in both deeper and more advanced midfield roles since stepping into the first-team but his long-term, first-choice position is unclear.

Wayne Rooney, however, believes he is better suited to playing further forward.

'Yes, he is [more than a holding midfielder],' Rooney said. 'I watched him play against Nottingham Forest as well. He played a little higher, so he can certainly do that.

'When he got the ball he drove at the Liverpool backline. Great first touch and the finish is incredible.'

The wonderkid