Gary Neville's Kobbie Mainoo verdict offers Manchester United derby day hope

Gary Neville has waxed lyrical about midfielder Kobbie Mainoo ahead of this afternoon's Manchester derby, insisting the Manchester United midfielder has stepped forward this season when others have failed to.

The Stockport-born teenager, who will celebrate his 19th birthday next month, has excelled in recent months and established himself as a key fixture in manager Erik ten Hag's plans. He has become a staple in the Dutchman's first-choice midfield, often playing alongside Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.

Offering United the control and composure on the ball in the engine room that they have missed for several years, Mainoo has looked a class above at times. And ahead of the clash with Manchester City, Neville hailed the youngster's sharp rise, admitting he was particularly impressed with the way he handled his first three big away games for the Reds prior to Christmas.

READ MORE: City vs United LIVE

READ MORE: I was released by City - so I drove around the corner and signed for United

Praising Mainoo, Neville, speaking to Sky Sports, said: "He is a bright light, as [Alejandro] Garnacho has been in these last few months. I always think of his first three big games: away at Goodison Park, St James' Park and Anfield and he handled those really well.

"Him and Casemiro are better together; the results have picked up. I don't think they have stopped enough shots going in between them both, so there is still an element of them having to work together defensively and that is a big test for them today.

"But his first few months in the first-team have been outstanding. I always think he stands up when Manchester United are struggling in games and takes the ball and looks the most composed on the pitch."

It's the Manchester