Manchester United legend Roy Keane claims Kobbie Mainoo possesses all the attributes to go to the “very top” of the game.

After scoring an incredible solo goal to seal a last-gasp victory against Wolves last week, pundits have been lavishing praise on the teenager and Keane says, as long as the player keeps his feet on the ground, the sky is the limit:

“He’s a smart, intelligent footballer and he can go right to the very top. The senior players will need to keep him grounded, make sure he learns, but he’s got the composure and we’ve seen that already. Defensively, he can get around the pitch but the kid has a chance, obviously.”

Mainoo put in another impressive display against West Ham at the weekend, earning himself a standing ovation from the Old Trafford crowd when he was subbed.

It would be very easy for all the attention to go to the youngster’s head, but he seems to be taking everything in his stride.

Ten Hag deserves credit for putting his faith in Mainoo

Considering how much pressure the Red Devils boss has been under this season, it would have been understandable if he shied away from picking young players and opted for experience instead.

However, ten Hag clearly saw the talent that Mainoo possessed from an early stage, handing him his senior debut against Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup last year. He then played a prominent role in pre-season. It was only down to bad luck with injury that the 18-year-old didn’t start this campaign as a regular starter.

United are preparing to offer a new contract

Mainoo still has three and a half years remaining on the contract he signed last February, but it is believed that the Red Devils will offer him a new deal at the end of the season.

The club are said to be keen on rewarding the player for his excellent performances with a higher salary.