Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo could get quick opportunity to show Man City what they are missing

Manchester United fans were left feeling bitterly disappointed on Tuesday evening when Kobbie Mainoo lined up for the U21s in the EFL Trophy vs Salford City.

After a bruising loss to Manchester City that weekend, United supporters were crying out for reasons to be optimistic and look forward to travelling to Old Trafford again. Instead, the one glimmer of fresh blood was ruled out of the clash against Newcastle thanks to his 90-minute involvement against the Class of '92s project.

While it may have disappointed Mainoo to be chosen for the U21s, it ended up being a blessing in disguise as he avoided being part of the embarrassment which unfolded 24 hours later at the Theatre of Dreams. The performance did little to raise the stock of anyone bar Mainoo.

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No surprise then on Friday it emerged City had reignited their interest in the teenager. Perhaps buoyed by the current plight at United, the Blues' admiration for Mainoo is nothing new.

They have tried many times before to persuade the Stockport-born midfielder to switch allegiances but Mainoo has rejected them at every turn. It is for this reason that United are relaxed by City's desire to sign him.

He appears to be United through and through but there always comes a time when patience is tested and Erik ten Hag will be fully aware of what he must do to stave off City's pursuit once and for all. His plan can start as soon as this lunchtime.

After the disarray seen against Newcastle, there seems to be little excuse now not to start featuring Mainoo more prominently. The midfield is arguably the weakest spot on the pitch with no combination yet