‘He’s the one’: Pundit was taken aback at how United star shone in comparison to any other player in cup final

Every time he steps on the pitch, Kobbie Mainoo has Manchester United fans counting their lucky stars that he’s one of their own.

To top off his scintillating breakout campaign, the 19-year-old proved he could come in clutch on the greatest of occasions when he extended United’s lead in the FA Cup final.

It came just nine minutes after his fellow Carrington graduate Alejandro Garnacho drew first blood against the Reds’ arch-rivals Manchester City, capitalising on a horror mistake from Stefan Ortega and Josko Gvardiol to break the deadlock inside 30 minutes.

Mainoo proceeded to make it 2-0 when he finished off a stellar passage of build-up play from United, with Bruno Fernandes producing one of the most outrageous no-look assists we’ve seen in a LONG time.

Even aside from his contribution, Mainoo was one of the standout performers on the pitch throughout the tie, outclassing the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri before getting his hands on his first senior career trophy.

Mainoo lauded by Shearer

Alan Shearer, who made the teenager his Player of the Match on BBC’s commentary of the match, was particularly impressed with one characteristic of Mainoo’s play-style.

Analysing his shift on the latest instalment of The Rest Is Football, the former England international told the panel: “When you consider he’s up against someone who we consider the best in the world, Rodri; Kevin De Bruyne, one of the best in the world; Foden, one of the best in the world; Kovacic, his experience is like incredible…

“So he’s up against all of these players in the middle of midfield, and yet, he’s the one that shines – as a 19-year-old.”

“As important as his goal was,” Shearer continued. “As important as his passing was, as important as his tackling was, one of the most important things for me was when he went body-to-body with Erling Haaland from a corner, I think it was, and he stood his ground, and he was strong, and he didn’t allow Haaland [a chance].

“I just thought: “Yeah, I love that’. That, for me, I thought, on top of all the other things, I’m giving you the Man of the Match just for that, as well as the rest.”