Mainoo: It's a big moment in my career
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has discussed the magnitude of scoring his first senior goal.
The homegrown youngster has forced his way into Erik ten Hag's plans this season, and partnered the vastly experienced Casemiro in the engine room as the Reds defeated Newport County 4-2 in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round.
Mainoo's big moment arrived in the 13th minute, when he expertly guided Diogo Dalot's pass into the bottom corner of the net, to register his maiden strike for the first team.
'I've dreamed of this for a long time'
Kobbie Mainoo was thrilled to get his first senior goal for United...
"Thank you," he told MUTV's Mark Sullivan after the game at Rodney Parade. "It's a big point in my career. Obviously, coming in and to score my first goal. I've been dreaming of this moment for a long time. It's been amazing."
That strike gave United a commanding 2-0 lead but the League Two side hit back and were level soon after the restart. However, Mainoo clearly kept his composure throughout and helped the Reds secure a smooth passage into round five.
"It's just back to basics," he said. "We have great players who can create a goal at any time. So, at 2-2, it was never a panic. Just get back to the things we're good at. It's 0-0 [then in our heads] so we can always go and score more."
Another step on Mainoo's ladder towards the top would be lifting a first senior trophy, after landing the FA Youth Cup when in the Under-18s.
Next up in this competition is a trip to Bristol City or Nottingham Forest, and the 18-year-old admits silverware is a main goal of his.
"It's very important at this point of the season," he said of Sunday's victory. "Every cup win is important, it's the next step to the final goal, which is winning a trophy. So it's very important."