Man Utd fans fume ‘we need this lad in the first team’ after youngster shines ‘effortlessly’ for u21s

MANCHESTER UNITED fans want answers from Erik ten Hag after watching Kobbie Mainoo shine for the Under-21 side.

The 18-year-old impressed in the U21’s 4-3 loss to Salford City in the EFL trophy on Tuesday.

PA

Kobbie Mainoo has only featured on the first team bench this season[/caption]

Shola Shoretire scored two goals either side of a strike from Omari Forson as the Red’s academy unit took a 3-2 lead.

Salford were then awarded two penalties inside the final ten minutes, with Lund converting both to complete his hat-trick and ensure victory for Gary Neville’s club.

Mainoo– who has just returned from injury- looked comfortable in possession, completing 33 of 37 passes attempted, and provided two assists.

But his inclusion means he will not be named in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI against Newcastle in Wednesday’s League Cup clash.

The Red Devils will be thankful for the opportunity to play in a different competition than the Premier League.

United were given a footballing lesson during the 3-0 defeat inflicted by bitter rivals Manchester City on Sunday.

And the Old Trafford fanbase – who have high hopes for Mainoo – have demanded that Ten Hag gives him a real chance.

One supporter wrote: “We need this lad in the first team.”

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Another added: “Kobbie Mainoo is what we are missing in our midfield. He’s so calm on the ball.”

A third wrote: “He is levels above the rest get Mainoo in the first team now .”

While another declared: “Maybe Mainoo is the missing piece to our midfield puzzle.”

United’s midfield has been criticised as slow, lacklustre and out of ideas this season.

The team are in dire need of the energy that the fringe players can bring.

Fans also hailed Hannibal Mejbri after sensational stats showed his impressive work rate.

Hannibal boasts the most pressures per 90 minutes of any Premier League player so far this season – but has only featured twice.

United host in form Newcastle at Old Trafford, in a repeat of last year’s Carabao Cup final.

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