Kobbie Mainoo is ready for next chapter of his promising Manchester United career

The loudest cheer at Leigh Sports Village when Manchester United's team news was announced was reserved for Kobbie Mainoo.

Mainoo was making his first start since picking up an ankle injury against Real Madrid in pre-season and he was informed before that tour of the United States, where he was the breakout star, that he'd be part of the first-team this season.

The midfielder, who only celebrated his 18th birthday in April, is highly regarded in the academy. He's long been the leading light of his age group and he was the club's best-kept secret until the summer pre-season tour of the States.

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Mainoo returned to the team alongside his fellow FA Youth Cup winner Dan Gore and when the teams emerged for the first whistle, it was Gore who was responsible for laying a wreath after the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton.

The football world was left in mourning at the weekend and Manchester United are respectfully paying their respects this week. There was a minute's silence held before the match against Copenhagen and it was impeccably observed.

Charlton will never be forgotten and he epitomised the club's values. The Busby Babes created a legacy of belief in youth and opportunity at Old Trafford and future generations in the academy will follow their example.

Those who know Mainoo best paint a picture of a likeable, polite and hard-working young man and he's the type of player supporters want to see reach the first-team. Those are also traits Charlton knew the importance of.

There were glimmers of the aspects of Mainoo's game that impressed in pre-season, his dynamic passing, balance and composure, in his first-half