Donny van de Beek reveals his first impression of Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo

Donny van de Beek recognised the talent of Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo in his first training session with him.

Mainoo played a key role in the club's FA Youth Cup success in 2021/22 and he also impressed playing for the Under-21s last season, which eventually led to Erik ten Hag handing the 18-year-old his first-team debut in January.

Just a few weeks later, that appearance was followed by a Premier League debut for Mainoo against Leicester and the youngster was only absent from matchday squads at the end of the campaign due to a minor injury.

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Mainoo has started both pre-season games so far and it's understood he will be kept around the first team next season. The club have received loan interest in the player but the decision has been made for Mainoo to stay.

Van de Beek, speaking to reporters after United's 1-0 victory against Lyon at Murrayfield on Wednesday afternoon, was asked which youngsters have impressed him most and he admitted Mainoo's potential has always been obvious.

"Ooo, it's hard to say. I've spoken about this with a few other lads as well and there are so many young talents coming through. It's nice to see with the names that you've mentioned." Van de Bek responded.

"Kobbie [Mainoo], I've trained with him already and I could see his talent from the first day. That's also a positive thing for a club like Manchester United. I think it's [promoting youth] part of the club, just like at Ajax."

The Dutchman also discussed Mason Mount's arrival and he praised the new £55million signing for being a 'great