Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo was the standout performer on Saturday as a young side fell to a competitive 2-1 defeat to non-league side Altrincham.
At just 17 years of age, Mainoo is already looking like a brilliant player in the making and he caused a lot of excitement within the United fanbase with his performances last season. Though Alejandro Garnacho grabbed the headlines thanks to his goals, Mainoo also played a pivotal role in United's first FA Youth Cup triumph since 2011.
Mainoo started every game, was taken off in just one of them and scored two goals in United's successful cup run and seems destined to become a regular for the Under-23s this coming campaign. He doesn't appear to have lost any momentum in the off-season, either, as he earned rave reviews for his display in a friendly on Saturday.
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A United XI largely containing the Under-18 side that lifted the Youth Cup in May with some additional Under-23 regulars took on local National League side Altrincham in a pre-season friendly. United took the lead in the second half when Omari Forson's cross-shot deflected off Altrincham debutant James Jones' outstretched foot and into the goal.
However, substitute Marcus Dinanga grabbed two late goals to complete the turnaround and give the home side the victory. Despite the loss, it was still a good performance from the youngsters and Mainoo especially. Commentator Jonny Crowther was on duty for the match and he was left very impressed by the starlet's performance.
"Enjoyed commentating on @RadioRobins @RadioAlty as @altrinchamfc beat a strong @ManUtd Under 23s @JDavidsonScrap stadium," he tweeted. "Two great goals from Marcus Dinanga & plenty of positives for Alty ahead of the opening @TheVanaramaNL fixture next week.
"For Utd @kobbie_mainoo different class. The lad @kobbie_mainoo has a real chance for me big strong quick great touch good shot works hard & Captain @EthanGalbraith0 busy tidy midfielder & of course fellow Salford lad @sammather111 top class."
A fan in attendance also tweeted 'Mainoo was very good' while another pointed out 'Kobbie Mainoo earning praises from the Altrincham commentators throughout the match.'
