FA Cup hero Kobbie Mainoo quickly proved to Man Utd legends he was destined for greatness

Kobbie Mainoo has been living up to the huge praise Manchester United legends have given him in his debut season. The 19-year-old only made his Premier League debut in November, but he is already being tipped for a starting berth for England in Euro 2024.

As well as starting strongly, he finished the campaign well by picking up the Premier League Player of the Month award for May and notching the crucial second goal in United's FA Cup Final against Manchester City. Despite a frustrating evening playing for the Three Lions against Iceland last Friday, Mainoo still has plenty of admirers.

Not that this would surprise him. Many of United's finest players were singing his name loudly after his masterful performance against Everton in his debut for the club.

United have a rich history of nurturing talent from their academy, boasting names like Marcus Rashford, David Beckham, Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best - Mainoo is the latest addition to this prestigious list.

In his first Premier League start against Everton, the then-18-year-old caught the eye of Gary Neville, Owen Hargreaves and the notoriously hard-to-impress Roy Keane, reports the Manchester Evening News.

During his commentary for Sky Sports, Neville lauded Mainoo's performance, stating: "There's an 18-year-old out there who looks more composed than anyone. Mainoo has been Manchester United's best player by a street. A brilliant, brilliant Premier League debut from him."

United icon Keane and ex-Red Devils midfielder Hargreaves were also left impressed by the youngster's display on the grand stage. Keane commented: "He looked like he always had time on the ball today. His decision-making, in terms of when to go long, when to go short, in terms of off the ball as well. What an all-round performance."

Hargreaves then added: "He was Man United's best player. A lot of young kids wouldn't have the composure [but] he picked the right pass at the right time. He looks like he has an awareness from an 18-year-old that you wouldn't ordinarily see."

Mainoo is competing with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Adam Wharton and Conor Gallagher for the midfield place next to Declan Rice.

Mainoo was deployed next to the Arsenal midfielder in England's 1-0 loss to Iceland. He was one of few bright sparks in a match England players, coaches and fans alike will want to forget quickly.

Before the match, Southgate highlighted how impressed he had been with the United teenager. When asked if he thinks Mainoo is ready for a major tournament, the England boss said: 'We wouldn't have any hesitation in starting him.

"He's shown incredible maturity, he progresses the ball forward quickly. He had two fabulous appearances here in March."