Ruben Amorim might have already found his most important player for his Manchester United plan

Today (Tuesday) marks exactly a year to the day since Kobbie Mainoo made his first Premier League start, starring in a 3-0 win for Manchester United over Everton at Goodison Park.

The midfielder had missed the start of the season after suffering an ankle injury in pre-season, and after three appearances on the bench, former United manager Erik ten Hag made the decision to unleash him from the start against the Toffees.

That particular trip to Merseyside will always be remembered most for Alejandro Garnacho's stunning acrobatic effort just three minutes in. However, Mainoo's performance was as equally impressive.

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Sitting at the base of the midfield, the then-18-year-old bossed proceedings, leaving almost everyone watching in awe of just how accomplished he looked. You would have been forgiven for thinking he was making his 100th Premier League start and not his first.

His performance at Goodison Park meant he immediately became a mainstay in Ten Hag's plans; he started 23 of United's 25 remaining Premier League matches last season. He is a generational talent and United have incredibly high hopes for him.

However, the midfielder, after overcoming a six-week absence due to a muscle injury, was not deemed ready to make Ruben Amorim's first United starting XI at Portman Road on Sunday. He was named on the bench alongside fellow midfielders Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount.

Of that midfield trio, Mainoo was the only member of it not to step off the bench. But after several weeks on the sidelines, United are well within their rights not to