Kobbie Mainoo is about to be handed a fresh test at Manchester United

Since his move into the Manchester United first team, Kobbie Mainoo has become a ray of light for the club.

After picking up his unfortunate injury during the summer tour of the US, Erik ten Hag was quick to stress how his time on the sidelines would not impact the Ductchman's future plans for the midfielder. The boss has been true to his word and Mainoo has delivered.

The performance at Everton was worthy of the Man of the Match award, while across Stanley Park Mainoo showed maturity beyond his years against Liverpool in what may be looked upon in five years time as an integral step in his rise to a key player. But as we head into the festive fixtures, a new challenge is emerging for the 18-year-old.

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On Monday, Christian Eriksen returned to full training with the Reds after suffering a knee injury in November. In his absence Mainoo has stepped up to the plate.

Yet the question remains of Ten Hag will do next? Will he retain Mainoo in midfield or will Eriksen push the youngster down the pecking order. Both might get a crack given the hectic schedule between now and the New year but heading into 2024, United's boss will have a difficult decision to make.

Bruno Fernandes is inked into the midfield and at this stage Scott McTominay is first choice alongside him with the third role up for grabs. Eriksen's return plus competition from Sofyan Amrabat means it's a test Mainoo has yet to face and one which shall give us a greater understanding of how much faith the regime has in the teenager.

There are no doubts as to how bright his future is, it's just how soon it becomes the present.

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