“He’s still learning, still not there with the set pieces, but he’s doing better.”
Roy Keane praised Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo following Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
The 18-year-old scored a stunning goal against Jurgen Klopp’s team at Old Trafford, a goal which could dent the Reds’ chance of winning the Premier League title.
Mainoo received the ball at the edge of the Liverpool penalty area, and controlled the ball with his left foot before spinning and curling a right-foot shot into the top corner beyond Caoimhin Kelleher.
Mohamed Salah equalised for Liverpool from the penalty spot to deny Mainoo a famous winning goal.
Following the match, Mainoo spoke to Sky Sports and offered his thoughts on the game and his brilliant strike.
“[I’m] Disappointed [with only a point], to be honest, because I feel like in second half we performed really well,” the England midfielder said
“We picked it up and the lads worked really, really hard. It was minor mistakes that in the end were major. Need ironing out and we can win the game.”
“Unbelievable feeling [to score his goal], first professional goal at Old Trafford and to do it in this fixture is also amazing. At the end of the day, we don’t walk away with the three points so I can’t be too happy.”
Keane praised Mainoo following the player’s interview.
The former Man United captain, who knows more than anyone what is required to be a world-class midfielder for the Red Devils, said that Mainoo performed well in the match.
The Irishman also offered Mainoo a word of advice, saying he still has to improve his work at set-pieces, but was otherwise very complimentary of the midfielder.
“It’s a tough game for him, obviously he’s done well. It’s a very good Liverpool team. He’s still learning, still not there with the set pieces but he’s doing better,” Keane said on Sky Sports.
“Scored one wonderful goal and it’s just now about how he copes with the expectations he’s had over the last few months with playing for England.”
Keane also praised Mainoo’s manner in his post-match interview.
“[He]Seems like a really nice kid, got lots to learn and he’ll only get better from these experiences,” the former United captain said.
“Scored against Liverpool, I know he’s talking about not winning the game but you can see he’s delighted to have scored, even if it wasn’t the winner.”
CONOR SKETCHES ON TIGER WOODS, GER LOUGHNANE AND F1 MADNESS.
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