Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane warned Kobbie Mainoo about taking chances in and around his own box but has welcomed his appearance in the team vs Liverpool.
Mainoo is well thought of at Old Trafford and was earmarked in pre-season to have a standout year. Injury against Real Madrid in the US scuppered plans for the Reds to integrate the teenager fully.
However, upon his return, Erik ten Hag has stuck by his promise to give Mainoo chances. The midfielder made his full senior debut in the league against Everton last month and was praised as a revelation for his ability to take the ball deep and move play forward.
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Keane was impressed by what he saw against Everton but he offered Mainoo a word of advice before kick-off at Anfield on Sunday. He told Sky Sports: “We have seen him in the couple of games he has had, at Everton he had good decision-making, his passing was fine but playing at Everton and Liverpool is like chalk and cheese. They obviously have great trust in him, great faith in him, he has got a nice temperament.
“One thing I spotted when he was playing against Everton was he was taking too many touches, too many chances in and around his own box and you have got to be careful here today at Anfield because they will punish you.
“But it is nice to see a young lad in. If he wants to be a future Manchester United player then he has got to get used to playing in these environments, obviously.”
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
