Micah Richards and Alan Shearer were both in agreement with their verdicts on
Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo. The 18-year-old has been enjoyoing his breakthrough season at United, after being given regular first-team opportunities by manager Erik ten Hag . Mainoo has made 20 appearances in all competitions for the Reds, with two goals to his name. Such form saw Mainoo earned his first international call-up with
England this month. The midfielder was initially named in the Under-21 squad, but was eventually promoted to the senior squad under manager Gareth Southgate. Saturday night saw Mainoo named on the bench for England's friendly against
Brazil. The teenager would eventually be introduced in the 75th minute to replace Chelsea's Conor Gallagher to earn his first senior cap for the Three Lions . Richards and Shearer appeared on the Rest is
Football podcast , where they both reacted to Mainoo's performance. Richards explained what impressed him the most about Mainoo's debut, as the former
Manchester City defender made a prediction for the United midfielder's future. READ MORE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe reveals his new 'kingmaker' tasked with deciding Ten Hag's future and possible replacement READ MORE: Manchester United 'bring in' stadium designers as Sir Jim Ratcliffe ponders 'new Old Trafford' "We've talked about him [Mainoo] much, I just hope he can do it consistently," said Richards. "I think we've got something special there. "Normally when a young player comes on, it's either he's really quick, really strong or he's scored a long-range goal, but it's more his game management and how intelligent he is that impresses me. "So keep it going and we've got a real star." Shearer echoed Richards' comments about Mainoo, and was impressed by one area of the United midfielder's performance for England against Brazil. "He [Mainoo] looked really comfortable," said Shearer. "He just went on the pitch and his attitude was great. 'Give me the ball and let me show you what I can do', and [he] wasn't phased at all and looked really comfortable. I'm impressed."