Kobbie Mainoo set to make first start for Manchester United vs Everton
Kobbie Mainoo is in line to make his first ever Premier League start for Manchester United against Everton on Sunday, according to Academy Scoop.
Writing on their official Twitter account (25 November), the outlet report that the 18-year-old midfielder is set to be handed a full debut in the absence of Casemiro, Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen due to injury.
Everton have their own midfield issues with Amadou Onana ruled out of the game with a calf problem, while Andre Gomes and Dele Alli remain unavailable despite returning to the grass in training following long-term injuries.
“Exclusive: Erik Ten Hag plans to hand Kobbie Mainoo his first ever Premier League start against Everton at Goodison Park tomorrow afternoon amidst Manchester United’s ongoing midfield availability crisis,” they wrote.
Wow
That’s a big task for a teenager to come into what will no doubt be a super hostile environment at Goodison, and we have to make it a rough night for him.
Despite his obvious qualities on the ball, Everton are full of physical players who will need to be aggressive and sharp out of possession in order to really rattle Man United.
The fans will be loud and ferocious for the entire 90 minutes after we were docked 10 points by the Premier League during the international break, and that should motivate everyone involved with the club to be right up for this game.
Mainoo being put into the fire is something that Sean Dyche and the players will absolutely be forced to target, either with tough tackles or just pressing him and getting in his face during a game where nerves will no doubt be present for him.
This could be a route to three points if exposed correctly, and the fact it’s leaked early (if true) means Dyche has got extra time to prepare too.
In other Everton news, Champions League clubs “Ready to move” for Toffees stars in January.