Manchester United went into Anfield as heavy underdogs, hoping to avoid the embarrassment of last season that was the catalyst behind the side’s decline, eventually limping over the line and finishing third in the previous campaign.

However, Erik ten Hag managed to guide his side to an important point in the Premier League, keeping a clean sheet in the process to become the first team to shut Liverpool out at their own ground in all competitions this season.

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United battled hard to earn a goalless draw and will certainly be the happier of the two sides, with several players putting a shift in, particularly at the back and in midfield.

Manchester United were injury-riddled when travelling to Merseyside, with 11 first-team players absent through injury and suspension, including club captain Bruno Fernandes.

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In recent weeks, ten Hag has opted to use Scott McTominay in a midfield two with Sofyan Amrabat, but with Fernandes unavailable, the Dutchman threw McTominay in as the number ’10’. As a result, ten Hag made the gutsy decision to throw 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo in alongside Amrabat. to see if he’d sink or swim.

Mainoo became the youngest player in Man United’s history to start against Liverpool at Anfield and looked unfazed throughout.

Speaking after the game, Ten Hag had nothing but praise for Mainoo after his performance against Liverpool.

He said: “He has some calmness and composure. His biggest quality is his scanning but he is good physically. He is young, will adjust to the game and will adjust to the intensity of the Premier League.”

Ten Hag also spoke about how his age simply isn’t a problem given his classy performances.

“When you are good enough you are old enough. He proved that and when he gets used to those games, we will even get more joy from it.

“With his scanning and speed of action, he can get switches in, he is the player who can really hurt opponents.”

Despite the visitors having merely 31% of the ball throughout the match, the youngster had 30 touches in total, ending the game with an 89% passing accuracy. Additionally, Mainoo made three passes into the final third and won 50% of his tackles and 67% of his ground duels before being replaced with eight minutes of normal time remaining.

Manchester United‘s criticism on the night had to be that chances were few and far between.

This was always going to be the case at Liverpool, and a lot came down to not having the composure to control the game. But this doesn’t concern Mainoo. Despite his age, it’s simply remarkable how little he gives away the ball.

He has already shown he is capable of controlling a fixture, and he very nearly provided the killer ball for Alejandro Garnacho to score what could have been the winner.

It was an outstanding performance from the midfielder with a bright future. It proves that this young star is ready for the fierceness of the EPL