“A top, top player…”: Elliot Anderson lavishes praise on Man United star after derby win

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Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was one of the few positives for his team in the disappointing Manchester derby defeat. The Red Devils lost 1-0 to their bitter rivals at Old Trafford on Sunday, 13 September, in the Premier League.

City were reduced to 10 men after Phil Foden was shown a straight red card following his challenge on Bruno Fernandes. United were expected to capitalise on their man advantage, but it was City who went ahead through Erling Haaland in the 60th minute and went on to secure three points.

The Red Devils were not helped by a few underwhelming performances on the pitch, but one player who stood out was Mainoo. Paired alongside Youri Tielemans for the fourth game running, the Englishman played the entire 90 minutes and hardly put a foot wrong.

Mainoo also hit the woodwork with a fantastic strike. While that was not enough to lift his team, it did earn him special praise from an opponent.

Elliot Anderson hails Mainoo

Speaking after the game, as cited by the Manchester Evening News, City midfielder Elliott Anderson was full of praise for Mainoo. When asked what it was like battling his countryman in the middle of the park, Anderson said: “It was great. It was a good battle.”

“He’s a top, top player, you know, and it’s always tough playing against Kobbie, but yeah, he’s a real good player and a real nice guy.”

United were heavily linked with Anderson this summer as they looked to bolster their midfield. However, the Englishman ended up joining City from Nottingham Forest instead.

The Red Devils responded by signing Andrey Santos, Tielemans and Carlos Baleba to upgrade their options in the middle of the park. However, early signs indicate that Mainoo remains the most important piece of Carrick’s midfield jigsaw.

Mainoo’s season so far

Mainoo was on the verge of leaving Old Trafford at the turn of the year under former head coach Ruben Amorim, before Carrick’s arrival in January turned things around. Mainoo was indispensable under the English manager, helping United finish third in the Premier League.

The 21 year old started the new season from the bench against Hull City, before coming on in the second half with his team losing 2-0. Unfortunately, the Englishman could not turn the game around.

Carrick selected Mainoo from the start against Ipswich Town in the following game, which the Red Devils won 5-2. He retained his place in the team in the 2-2 draw against Everton in the Premier League and the 4-0 win over Sabah in the Champions League, managing to impress in both games.

The English midfielder has now registered one assist in five games across competitions this season.

Kobbie Mainoo Stats: 2026/27 Season

Final Thoughts

Mainoo remains highly regarded at Old Trafford and has also earned the respects of his peers. If United are to turn their season around, however, the Englishman will need a lot more help from his team-mates as well.