The clues making Kobbie Mainoo's Manchester United story impossible to ignore

Just a few days after Manchester United's win against Everton in October, the chatter among journalists while watching training at Carrington was about Kobbie Mainoo and whether he could make the England squad for this summer's European Championship.

A raucous atmosphere was expected at Goodison Park due to Everton's point deduction but that didn't stop Erik ten Hag from giving Mainoo his first start in the Premier League. Unsurprisingly, the unflappable Mainoo was unfazed by the hostility and he delivered an exceptional performance which saw him pick up the man of the match award.

"The biggest compliment I can pay him, and it hurts to say this, I hope people can take this in the right spirit," said Gary Neville, who was on commentary for Sky Sports. "He looked like a Manchester City player. Honestly, I was watching him and thinking, ‘that’s a player that Pep Guardiola will be looking at and thinking, ‘I want him in my midfield'.

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"Thankfully United have got him because he looks so composed, so graceful, always looking over his shoulder, knowing where everyone is, letting it run across his body."

Mainoo's performance was special. It generated a buzz. He's been excellent since making that first league start and he's currently one of the first names on the team sheet.

Each challenge Mainoo has faced, he has overcome. There have been tests away at Galatasaray, Newcastle and Liverpool and those appearances only enhanced his reputation.

Mainoo had been the academy's best-kept secret for a few years and that is no longer the case because - while he is still just 18 years old - he looks destined for the top of the sport.

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