Mainoo: I can't be too happy
Kobbie Mainoo netted his first senior Old Trafford goal in Manchester United's 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, but the young midfielder revealed his belief afterwards that there is still work to do to iron out mistakes.
The game saw United produce two spectacular second-half strikes, the first a long-range hit from inside the centre-circle by Bruno Fernandes, which was followed up by a smartly executed curled finish from Mainoo while his back was facing the goal.
His calm effort among the chaos was enough to put Ten Hag's side in the driving seat for the first time in the game after a difficult first 45 minutes, but errors at the other end either side of the interval prevented United taking all three points.
The 18-year-old recognised the incredible milestone, hitting the first Old Trafford goal of his young senior career, but, in his typical reserved style, refused to get too carried away with the moment.
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Kobbie Mainoo was happy with how United responded in the second half, but wanted three points rather than one...
Speaking to Sky Sports following the game, the England international said: "I mean, of course, it's an unbelievable feeling; first professional Old Trafford goal. And to do it in this fixture is also amazing.
"But, as I say, at the end of the day, we don't walk away with the three points, so I can't be too happy."
Ever the professional, despite his youth, Mainoo was already analysing what he needed to improve next time out.
"I feel like it's just little mistakes," he said. "On the ball, off the ball, you know? I mean, they happen in games, but sometimes they can just be detrimental, and I feel like that's what's cost us."
The Academy graduate was among the corner chaos which saw Liverpool's Luis Diaz break free at the back post to prod home the opening goal of the game, and explained how it unfolded from his perspective.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: "With that one, I was supposed to be double-teaming Virgil van Dijk with Rasmus Hojlund and leaving Luis Diaz.
"We should clear it, and it was miscommunication, and details have cost us."
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While it is a shame that his goal was not to be the winner on the day, it will still go down as a remarkable way, in a tense fixture, to open his Old Trafford account, and will surely for the first of many for the emerging star.
Speaking to Sky, despite missing out on the win, Mainoo made clear he won't carry any negative sentiments into the next game.
He said: "It's always a tough game, especially in this fixture. It takes it out of you.
"So, yeah, it's tough, but we always have to bounce back from these things."