Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Everton was their first victory by a three-goal margin in the Premier League all season. It is a fact that has been rightfully buried in the majesty of Alejandro Garnacho’s reality-defying overhead kick. But by the admittedly lowly standards of United’s season, this was possibly their most comprehensive display.
A big reason for that, beyond the Puskas-baiting opener, was the Red Devils finally being able to exert some control in midfield. 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo made his Premier League debut at the heart of the United engine room alongside Scott McTominay. The youngster showed discipline, control and an excellent reading of the game throughout. Mainoo’s measured approach offered a counterbalance to McTominay’s roving ways, something the Scotsman often lacks in a midfield partner.
It was a day for the youth at Goodison Park. The absences of 35-year-old Jonny Evans and 31-year-old Casemiro dragged down the average age of the away team. Most hearteningly, Garnacho and Mainoo provided more highlights in a single 90 minutes than their more experienced brethren have managed all season.
A game in isolation against a beleaguered side who have just suffered a 10-point deduction is no barometer for long-term success. But by the grim standards United have set this season, there were plenty of green shoots of recovery to be seen. Like any plant though, those seeds will need careful nurturing to reach their full potential.
Mainoo in particular will be the focus of intense scrutiny now. United fans already expect a lot of Garnacho, even if he’s just sensationally raised that bar. There was a significant campaign for the Argentina international to receive the coveted number seven shirt when his hero Cristiano Ronaldo departed last term. Garnacho was a standout for the under-21s, dazzling with a brace in the 2022 FA Youth Cup win. He bagged the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award that season too.
From there, Garnacho played 34 games across all competitions last season, netting five goals. He broke into the Argentina national set-up, not easy to do when you play for the reigning world champions. Garnacho has become a semi-regular at Old Trafford, though it should be pointed out his heroics on Merseyside represented his sole league goal of the season. The expectations are heightened. Now it is up to Garnacho to show he can meet them,
Mainoo will also have a lot expected of him now. Midfield has been United’s problem position since Michael Carrick retired. After the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Fred have toiled in that position, fans are crying out for some hope. Casemiro provided it last season but has regressed. McTominay scores goals but can’t quite settle. Mason Mount is becoming the new iteration of the invisible Donny van de Beek. The pressure on United’s midfielders to succeed is at risk of consuming Mainoo.
Fans will be eager to see the teenager start every game, but he must be allowed to develop properly. First-team football is crucial but lessons must be learned from Rasmus Hojlund. United already have one promising young talent being over-relied upon. They can’t afford to subject Mainoo to the same burden.
Ultimately, United have reasons to be cheerful on a Monday morning. Such occurrences have been rare this season. The optimism is warranted, but it must be laced with caution. In Garnacho and Mainoo they have two talents who could carry this team for years to come. Manager Erik ten Hag must avoid the temptation to make the pair carry it now.
