03 March 2024 , 18:15
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Gary Neville has hailed teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as a "bright light" for Manchester United in recent months.
Mainoo has established himself as a key member of the first-team since returning to action in October after missing the first few months of the season with an ankle injury he picked up in pre-season.
And Neville has been impressed by Mainoo's impact this season, branding his performances "outstanding". Speaking ahead of the Manchester derby on Sunday, Neville told Sky Sports: "He is a bright light, as [Alejandro] Garnacho has been in these last few months.
"I always think of his first three big games: away at Goodison Park, St James' Park and Anfield and he handled those really well. Him and Casemiro are better together; the results have picked up.
"I don't think they have stopped enough shots going in between them both, so there is still an element of them having to work together defensively and that is a big test for them today. But his first few months in the first-team have been outstanding.
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"I always think he stands up when Manchester United are struggling in games and takes the ball and looks the most composed on the pitch." However, Mainoo was unable to help United pick up all three points against Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola's side winning 3-1 at the Etihad.
A stunning strike from Marcus Rashford gave United the lead inside the first ten minutes. However, City hit back in the second half with a brace from Phil Foden and a late strike from Erling Haaland earning them the win.
Neville has hailed Kobbie Mainoo's "outstanding" contributions for United (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)Reflecting on the result, former United captain Roy Keane told Sky Sports: " I don't want to be too hard on Manchester United today because I thought Man City were brilliant and they showed why they are champions. That's 11 league losses for United, what City do is they find all your shortcomings, and when you are on that pitch and it's tough, there is no hiding place.
"It's like a boxer, when you're in that ring there is no hiding place, and they just wore them down. United made a substitution and Jonny (Evans) went off and they had to change the back four, they were kind of hanging in there anyway, but the stats at the end of the game show you how strong Manchester City were.
"It still leaves that question mark over Manchester United and where is this team going, particularly in the last 20-25 minutes, they couldn't get near City - they toyed with them. Man United, we know their shortcomings, but there is no hiding place. United will have to take their medicine today, but again, huge question marks for this team, and unfortunately the manager."
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