Man Utd legends all knew Kobbie Mainoo was destined for greatness after just 90 minutes of action

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has been the hot topic for many fans, pundits and even rival footballers - with one game in particular grabbing the eye of his elders.

The 19-year-old academy graduate has been lighting it up in the Premier League in his debut season, grabbing a Player of the Month award for May and even a Man of the Match performance in United's recent FA Cup win over rivals City.

However, some of Mainoo's bigger fans saw that he was destined for greatness during one performance against Everton at Goodison Park, where United claimed a 3-0 victory.

READ MORE: Kobbie Mainoo delivered England message by Jordan Henderson ahead of Euro 2024

READ MORE: 'We're pleased' - Gareth Southgate changes tune on Manchester United defender Luke Shaw

United have a long line of Academy successes in their history, from Marcus Rashford and David Beckham to Bobby Charlton and George Best - and Kobbie Mainoo has just joined this illustrious list.

In his first Premier League start against Everton, the then-18-year-old impressed his fellow United followers Gary Neville, Owen Hargreaves and the hard-to-please Roy Keane.

At the time, Neville praised Mainoo's performance during his commentary coverage for Sky Sports, saying: "There's an 18-year-old out there who looks more composed than anyone. Mainoo has been Manchester United's best player by a street. A brilliant, brilliant Premier League debut from him."

United legend Keane and former Red Devils midfielder Hargreaves were also impressed with the youngster's performance on the big stage.

Keane said at the time: "He looked like he always had time on the ball today, his decision-making, in terms of when to go long, when to go short, in terms of off the ball as well. What an all-round performance."

Hargreaves also added: "He was Man United's best player. A lot of young kids wouldn't have the composure [but] he picked the right pass at the right time.

"He looks like he has an awareness from an 18-year-old that you wouldn't ordinarily see."

Mainoo has also been named in the England squad leading up to Euro2024 and will be hoping to impress national team coach Gareth Southgate with his performances this week against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland.

Follow the MEN's United coverage on TikTok and YouTube, and subscribe to the Manchester is Red podcast.