Kobbie Mainoo has been handed his first Premier League start for Manchester United at Everton, with Luke Shaw also returning from injury.
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Mainoo makes first PL startShaw back after three months outStriker Hugill named in squad for first timeWHAT HAPPENED?
The homegrown midfielder was named in Erik ten Hag's starting line-up at Goodison Park after making a full recovery from an ankle injury sustained in pre-season. Shaw also returned after three months out with a hamstring tear, handing the faltering Red Devils a huge boost.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Mainoo broke into the first team last season, starting against Charlton in the Carabao Cup quarter-final tie and coming on against Leicester in the Premier League. The teenager was one of United's most impressive players during the pre-season campaign but disaster struck when he sustained a serious ankle injury against Real Madrid on July 29.
Shaw was an even bigger loss for United after being one of the most influential players last season. The left-back tore his hamstring in the second game of the campaign against Tottenham, forcing United to go and get Sergio Reguilon as an emergency loan signing on transfer deadline day, as Tyrell Malacia was also injured.
DID YOU KNOW?
Mainoo won the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award last season. Previous winners include Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil Neville, Wes Brown and Marcus Rashford, while Alejandro Garnacho picked up the award in 2022.
Michael Regan/Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
After facing Everton, United have another crucial game when they visit Galatasaray in a must-win Champions League match on Wednesday. But they will be better equipped to deal with the bearpit atmosphere in Istanbul thanks to the return of Shaw and Mainoo.