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Manchester United prospect Kobbie Mainoo was handed his first senior start for the Red Devils as Erik ten Hag’s side looked to reach the EFL Cup semi-finals.
Mainoo, a 17-year-old midfielder, appears to be the next in line on a long list of illustrious United academy products after being named in Ten Hag’s starting XI for Tuesday’s home clash with League One side Charlton Athletic.
The England youth international, who signed his first professional contract in May, played an integral role in last season’s FA Youth Cup triumph and featured prominently for United during the World Cup break, scoring in a 4-2 friendly defeat to Cadiz.
A deep-lying playmaker by trade, Mainoo slotted in alongside midfield pair Scott McTominay and Fred, while he will hope to emulate the progress of Alejandro Garnacho, whose stock at United continues to grow.
Fellow teenager Garnacho was also named in Ten Hag’s line-up as the United manager made eight changes from Friday’s FA Cup third-round victory over Everton.
The fit-again Diogo Dalot kept his place, as did Tyrell Malacia and Antony, while Harry Maguire and World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez were among those to come in.
Veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton replaced David de Gea to make his full debut for the club in the quarter-final clash at Old Trafford.
