Manchester City star hails Kobbie Mainoo after Manchester derby victory

Manchester City midfielder Elliot Anderson has described Kobbie Mainoo as a “top, top player” after the two sides met in Sunday’s Manchester derby.

Manchester City came away with a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford despite playing with 10 men for more than an hour after Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute.

Erling Haaland eventually scored the only goal of the game in controversial circumstances during the second half. For Manchester United, Mainoo’s performance was one of the rare good ones on a difficult afternoon.

Anderson praises Kobbie Mainoo after midfield battle

Elliot Anderson, who faced Kobbie Mainoo in the derby, was asked what it was like to go up against the United midfielder.

“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.”

Manchester United made the City midfielder their priority midfield target, but they ultimately missed out as Anderson chose a move to the Etihad.

Despite the result, Kobbie Mainoo could take some encouragement from his individual showing. He remained one of United’s more noticeable performers and came closest to getting them back into the game with his effort off the post.

Mainoo has been on a rise ever since Michael Carrick took the reins at Manchester United. Kobbie Mainoo was close to leaving United last summer after shown the door by Ruben Amorim.

 After a difficult afternoon, the focus will now be on getting more from Kobbie Mainoo and the rest of the midfield after a derby defeat that left them with little to celebrate.