In challenging conditions in Turkey, Kobbie Mainoo, a young player for Manchester United, made his Champions League debut.

Given how far the midfielder has come, many were taken aback when Kobbie Mainoo was left out of Manchester United’s starting lineup for their match against Galatasaray.

Following his first Premier League start this past weekend in a 3-0 victory over Everton, Mainoo, 18, has received a lot of acclaim.

The teenager made his debut off the bench in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Galatasaray, a match that felt like a victory.

Kobbie Mainoo handled Galatasaray quite nicely.

In the 58th minute, Kobbie Mainoo replaced Sofyan Amrabat as Manchester United led Galatasaray 3-1. Rasmus Hojlund was also replaced by Anthony Martial as part of a double switch.

The teenager can be happy with his own performance under trying circumstances, even though he may think that the double change did not work as United ended up drawing the game 3-3.

Galatasaray’s goals in the second half came from a long-range shot and a free kick. United had more than enough opportunities to win the match.

Mainoo’s poise in possession of the ball made an impression against Everton, and this was evident at Galatasaray as well, even if the Turkish team tried to shut him down as soon as possible.

Here are some salient figures from Kobbie Mainoo’s performance.

32 minutes were played.

16 Touches

Passes Completed: 10/10

Dribbles that Worked: 1 out of 1 tackle 1/1 Duel won Gained: 1/2

2 Clearances

Mainoo was extremely effective; he won all of his duels and completed 100% of his passes.

He wasn’t on the ball enough, if there was one critique, but that was just being idealistic.

In contrast, Sofyan Amrabat contributed at a slower rate than Mainoo, with just 27 touches in 58 minutes.

In injury time, he made a play that made the TNT Sports commentators clap along, winning a tackle, chipping the ball over a charging opponent, stopping, turning, and finishing a tight pass close to the halfway line while under pressure. He was playing with such poise and technical quality that the game was becoming increasingly intense.

Scholes is hoping for more. Paul Scholes, a veteran of Manchester United, commended Mainoo on his insights and gave him his support.

“I think Mainoo needs a run in the team,” he said to the broadcaster following the game. And based on what we saw at Everton on Sunday, I believe it’s time to give him another opportunity.

“These four at the back need to be protected. Nobody has a stronger awareness of danger than this young man.