Erik ten Hag made two changes with 10 minutes remaining in Manchester United's game against Aston Villa. The electronic board was raised to signal Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo being replaced by Antony and Scott McTominay respectively and both players received a generous ovation as they left the field.
The game was 2-2 at that stage after a brace from Alejandro Garnacho and Mainoo pumped up the crowd as he walked to the touchline, waving his arms around and asking supporters for more. ALSO READ: United player ratings as Garnacho and Evans superb ALSO READ: How United dressing room reacted to Ratcliffe minority takeover Mainoo received a tap on the back from his manager and he was soon celebrating like a fan when Rasmus Hojlund scored the winner.
The youngster has supported the club since he was a boy and you can see he cares. The game was delicately poised when Mainoo was substituted and whipping up the crowd seemed to help his teammates because the energy levels increased and Hojlund scored shortly after that.
A player showing personality, especially an academy graduate, is something supporters connect with and it was another endearing moment for Mainoo in a season in which he's already made tremendous progress.