Though the World Cup is still ongoing, Erik ten Hag's focus is still firmly on the second half of Manchester United's season.
To that end, Ten Hag has organised two friendlies in Spain before their campaign resumes on December the 21st with an EFL Cup match-up against Burnley. However, their fixture against Cadiz didn't go to plan.
Cadiz currently sit in the relegation places in La Liga two points from safety. Many expected it would be an easy win for United, however, the absence of many first-teamers was detrimental and the side that Ten Hag put out lost 4-2.
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It was a poor performance and there were few bright spots, however, one was the performance of Kobbie Mainoo, who came on as a second-half substitute. The 17-year-old scored United's second goal and was highlighted by many as having a good half despite the circumstances.
Mainoo impressed last season as a part of the youth team and was part of the FA Youth Cup-winning team alongside Alejandro Garnacho and many fans have touted him to make his first team debut in the near future.
United's current midfield duo is Christian Eriksen and Casemiro and while Fred and Scott McTominay offer backup, neither of the pair should really be considered long-term options.
Furthermore, United are still lacking a midfielder who is able to control the game. Ten Hag targeted Frenkie de Jong throughout the summer window but a move never materialised and this left United short of a profile in midfield.
Mainoo is young but he already showing a high level of technical ability and with the proper coaching he could become the midfielder that United needs in the centre of the pitch for years to come. And for many fans, it's a matter of when not if.
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