(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Kobbie Mainoo has been singled out for his performance in Manchester United’s comfortable 4-0 win over Sabah tonight.
Reacting to the youngster’s showing on Twitter/X, Samuel Luckhurst said: “Mainoo [was] the best player on the pitch for the second match running at Old Trafford.”
How Kobbie Mainoo fared vs Sabah
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United warms up before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester United and Sabah FC at Old Trafford on September 10, 2026 in Manchester, England.
Yet, Mainoo actually recorded one of the lowest ratings of the team on FotMob, as he earned a 7.6 score after playing just over an hour at Old Trafford.
That’s likely more due to the fact that the rest of the squad were all at their best tonight, so his stellar showing perhaps slipped under the radar, given viewers have grown accustomed to his calm and assured displays.
Mainoo’s heatmap during United’s Champions League opener (FotMob)
Despite being withdrawn in the 64th minute, Mainoo had the most touches of any player and finished his shift with an impressive 98 per cent passing accuracy.
He completed one successful dribble, 10 passes into the final third and a whopping six accurate long balls, making it no surprise his efforts caught the eyes of the journalist.
What’s next for United in the UCL?
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with team mates during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester United and Sabah FC at Old Trafford on September 10, 2026 in Manchester, England.
Michael Carrick will be relieved at the fact that United were able to avoid any embarrassing slip-up and instead cruise to a much-needed three points on matchweek one in the Champions League.
The Reds aren’t in action in Europe again until after the lengthy international break, when they take on Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano on Tuesday, October 13.
They will also face Como, AS Roma, Sporting Lisbon, RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich and Villarreal in the group phase, so starting on the right foot and getting four goals on the board was imperative tonight.
Read more: Carrick confirms he was forced into line-up change on Thursday after United mainstay felt slight injury problem after Everton
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Players of Manchester United line up for a team photograph before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester United and Sabah FC at Old Trafford on September 10, 2026 in Manchester, England.
Michael Carrick
Paul Scholes
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