Kobbie Mainoo can stake big Manchester United claim vs Liverpool FC

When Kobbie Mainoo was nearing the end of his recovery from his long-term ankle injury, he played a full 90 minutes against Salford City in the EFL Trophy and thoroughly bossed the midfield.

The 4-3 defeat was no reflection on his performance, the 18-year-old ending the match with two assists. He may only be a teenager but a half-paced Mainoo looked the most senior figure on the pitch as he danced past Salford opponents.

Now back up to full speed, the midfielder has been bringing the praise of pundits and teammates alike. His showing in the win over Everton was superb and he started the next league outing against Newcastle.

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He is yet to play since that defeat but he will surely get the nod at Anfield, where he may need to show experience beyond his years. Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount are out injured while Bruno Fernandes is suspended after picking up five yellow cards.

Sofyan Amrabat and Scott McTominay are expected to start and may be asked to sit in front of the defence with in-form Harry Maguire out with a knock. This is not McTominay’s strength but when Amrabat came off in the defeat to Manchester City, the Scot was asked to sit.

This would give the opportunity for Mainoo to occupy Fernandes’ customary attacking midfield role, a position he played when he was given his debut in January’s League Cup quarter-final win over Charlton Athletic. It is also the role he played in when he notched his two assists against Salford and in both instances he impressed. Such is his versatility, Mainoo can play as the deeper midfielder and more centrally.

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