KID KOBBIE CAN BE THE MAINOO MAN

Ten Hag knew he had a very special talent on his hands and against Everton his display gave hope to Reds

- CHRIS MCKENNA

ERIK TEN HAG could not mask his deflation when Kobbie Mainoo was helped off the NRG Stadium pitch in Houston.

The 18-year-old, who had never started a Premier League game for Manchester United, went under the radar during the usual summer splurging of cash, especially after picking up an ankle injury during that pre-season game in July.

But for boss Ten Hag and his coaching staff it was seen as a headline loss of what Bruno Fernandes called a 'special' player after his side's win over Everton.

The Dutchman had watched Mainoo dominate in midfield a few days earlier against Arsenal and had started to ponder about the Stockport-born teenager becoming a focal point in his midfield.