KOBBIE MAINOO admits “I got ahead of myself” after apologising for his goal celebration against Liverpool.
The Manchester United star, 18, put in a strong performance as his side clinched a 3-3 draw with their title-chasing neighbours at Old Trafford.
Mainoo bagged United’s second goal of the game, putting them 2-1 up following strikes from Luis Diaz and Bruno Fernandes.
The newly-capped England ace split Liverpool’s midfield apart with a mazy run before laying the ball off to a teammate.
Mainoo then received it just inside the Reds’ penalty area.
And he turned on the spot before curling home a beautiful shot into the top corner.
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It marked Mainoo’s first-ever home goal for United, sparking wild celebrations among jubilant fans.
The youngster couldn’t resist joining in too, and blew kisses to the crowd as he basked in the moment.
Mainoo also saluted supporters after hitting another career milestone.
But the celebrations proved to be short-lived as United ended up conceding a penalty, with Mo Salah slotting it home to seal the 3-3 result.
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And speaking afterwards, Mainoo apologised for his celebrations, admitting he was simply caught up in the moment.
The teen said: “Yeah, it felt good so I got ahead of myself, sorry.
“An unbelievable feeling, my first professional goal at Old Trafford, and to do it in this fixture is also amazing.
“At the end of the day, we don’t walk away with the three points so I can’t be too happy.”
However, former United star Gary Neville was not overly impressed with Mainoo’s performance.
He singled out the midfielder during a torrid first half for the hosts, claiming Mainoo was sticking too close to his man and leaving space in behind for speedy Liverpool forwards.
Neville said: “Look where Mainoo is there, he’s ahead of the ball at the throw in. As a central midfield player, I always think you’ve got to run back.”
Fellow pundit Jamie Carragher interjected: “There’s a man-marking system, no doubt he’s got his eye on Mac Allister.”
Neville replied: “Forget about that, forget about Mac Allister, don’t be ahead of the ball, get up to that one, he’s moving up there now.”
Carragher stated: “It must be an instruction before the game.”
Neville added: “It defies logic, it’s the basics of the game. Even now he’s chasing him across the pitch, he doesn’t need to.
“Garnacho and Hojlund can deal with that, look at the space in behind him. That space alongside Casemiro there.
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“Just the basics, look at where Casemiro’s gone in, Mainoo, they’ve both gone in. It opens up a path into there.
“Honestly, it’s basics. Absolute basics, so easy to play against Manchester United’s midfield.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
