Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has given youth product Kobbie  Mainoo his chance in recent games - and the midfielder has impressed.

On his full Premier League debut, against Everton in late November, Mainoo served notice of his talent  with a fine display for the Red Devils.

After starring at Goodison, the  18-year-old also started against Newcastle at the weekend, and was given his UCL debut at Galatasaray. 

Ten Hag has lauded the youngster’s impact on the United team,  telling reporters: "If [players] are good enough, they are old enough.”

United captain Bruno Fernandes has also heaped praise on Mainoo, highlighting the speed of thought boasted by his fellow midfielder. 

Mainoo has achieved a 90% pass-completion rate so far this season, while his defensive work has led to comparisons with N’Golo Kanté.

A player who joined United’s youth academy at the age of nine,  Mainoo is currently under contract  at Old Trafford until 2027.

An England age-group regular, he’s also eligible for Ghana - and there are fears the Black Stars could snap him  up ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Wherever Mainoo’s allegiances end up lying, one thing’s for sure: he’s a huge talent. He looks destined to be a  stand-out performer in his position.