According to Live Cricket BPL, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag couldn’t hide his delight after the club’s pre-season friendly win over Arsenal. Speaking after the match, Ten Hag emphasized how much he enjoyed the way the game unfolded — especially the intensity and pressing United showed in the first half. With goals from Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho, United took an early lead, but what caught most eyes was the outstanding performance of 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo.

Mainoo started in midfield alongside Fernandes and new signing Mason Mount. Their strong midfield display was a key reason United dominated the first half. Mainoo and Fernandes even combined directly for the opening goal — Mainoo received the ball on the wing, skillfully beat his defender, and passed it to Fernandes, who adjusted and struck from range. The Arsenal goalkeeper fumbled it, resulting in the first goal of the match — also Fernandes’ first goal as club captain.

After the match, Fernandes was full of praise for Mainoo, calling him a balanced midfielder with both attacking and defensive qualities. He urged the coaching staff to give the young talent more opportunities, believing Mainoo has what it takes to contribute meaningfully to the squad. His performance impressed both his manager and his captain — a dream start for any academy graduate.

Live Cricket BPL also reported that prior to this game, United had been exploring the option of signing Sofyan Amrabat to strengthen the midfield. But Mainoo’s breakout display may now shift those plans. If Ten Hag truly trusts Mainoo’s potential, the club might not need to spend big on another midfielder.

Even if players like Fred or Scott McTominay leave this summer, Mainoo could be the one to step up. Fernandes echoed this view, suggesting that more game time would help the youngster grow. Interestingly, the last youth player to rise through the ranks into the first team was McTominay — but his limited technical skills have prevented him from securing a central role. Despite large investments in Casemiro and utilizing Eriksen in deeper roles, McTominay failed to make himself indispensable.

If Ten Hag continues to back Mainoo, Live Cricket BPL analysts believe he must seize the moment. For young players, chances are rare, and failing to impress could mean disappearing from the lineup altogether. As the saying goes, opportunity knocks but once. Mainoo’s future looks bright, but staying grounded and putting in the hard work will be key. Without discipline and humility, talent alone may not take him far.