'Mainoo is looking like a proper player now'

It was another fine performance from Kobbie Mainoo as he donned his boyhood colours for the 99th time in the 3-2 victory over Liverpool.

Already, the 21-year-old has a wealth of experience for club and country, and Mainoo is on track to join the hundred club, if he features again this season for the Red Devils.

On The Devils' Advocate podcast, supporter Sam Drinkwater believes working alongside Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes has turned Mainoo into "the ultimate midfielder".

"He is one of those players that, when he's on the ball, you feel safe," said Drinkwater. "You feel he is going to make the right decision or at least the decision I want him to make. That attribute is so underrated in a footballer."

Although Mainoo's minutes were hindered earlier in the season due to falling out of favour under ex-boss, Ruben Amorim. Michael Carrick has helped revitalise Manchester United and the youngster's season.

The midfielder's best season came under Erik ten Hag in the 2023-24 campaign, where he featured in 24 games and accumulated 1,924 playing minutes.

"What we are talking about is a player who has certainly improved from two years ago when he was at his best for Man Utd. I think he is a better all-rounded player [now]," said Drinkwater.

Fellow Devils' Advocate guest Nick McCabe added: "He is looking like a proper player now. When you watch Frenkie de Jong for Barcelona, the way they carry themselves across the pitch, the way they link, he is that perfect piece between Casemiro and Bruno. He links it really well, and he is only 21."

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