Kobbie Mainoo's actions seconds after coming on for Man United speak volumes

Kobbie Mainoo made an appearance off the bench for Manchester United in their dismal 3-0 derby day defeat to Manchester City, and fans were encouraged by what they saw right off the bat

Kobbie Mainoo impressed Manchester United fans off the bench against Manchester City(Image: Pro Sports Images)

Kobbie Mainoo made an immediate impact for Manchester United in their defeat against rivals Manchester City and impressed fans with a tackle just minutes after entering the fray.

The Red Devils made the daunting trip to the Etihad on Sunday and found themselves 1-0 down after just 18 minutes, with Phil Foden heading home after a brilliant slaloming run from Jeremy Doku. The bleeding was stopped until half-time, but just eight minutes after the restart, Erling Haaland made no mistake when played through and doubled City's lead.

Ruben Amorim turned to his bench in response, and young midfielder Mainoo replaced Noussair Mazraoui after the loan request he submitted during the summer window was rejected by the Portuguese boss. However, despite his desire to depart Old Trafford earlier this month, the 20-year-old showed an immediate tenacity after coming on that impressed supporters online.

Mainoo entered the proceedings after 62 minutes, and seconds later, United earned themselves a corner. They lost possession from the set-piece, though, and City looked to mount a deadly counter-attack.

But the young Englishman thwarted Pep Guardiola's men's efforts, stepping in with a great tackle to break up play. He could do nothing when a rampant Haaland raced through on goal five minutes later to make it 3-0, but nevertheless, fans were quite taken with what they saw from Mainoo.

The youngster has only started one match this season, United's Carabao Cup loss on penalties to Grimsby Town, and came off the bench during the 3-2 victory over Burnley in the Premier League.

Mainoo impressed fans during his cameo(Image: Getty)

Supporters evidently want to see more of Mainoo, as one wrote after his City tackle: "Mainoo on the pitch for 20 seconds and already made a successful tackle!" A second added: "Immediately Mainoo wins the ball before City can transition!"

A third fan took aim at head coach Amorim, writing: "Mainoo has been on for six seconds and already making an impact. At this point, this manager is the worst."

Meanwhile, a fourth chimed: "Mainoo is in and already intercepting passes. Proper centre-mid." A fifth continued: "Kobbie 'can't defend' Mainoo with a tackle to prevent a counter already. But he 'can't run' like [Manuel] Ugarte."

United's manager, however, stood firm after the defeat and claimed that he would not change his footballing philosophy despite a poor run of results to begin the season.

Pressure mounted on head coach Amorim after the defeat on Sunday(Image: PA)

"The performance was not good," began Amorim. "I'm trying to be rational. I see the record. I understand the frustration and I understand the decisions that come with that. I take the critics. That's it.

"There are a lot of things that you have no idea what happened during these months, but I accept that. When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the man.

"And we talk about that every game that we lose. I don't believe in that in the system or whatever. So I play my way and I'm going to play my way until I want to change it.

"I understand how football is and the results dictate the narrative. I see it that way. I know that is hard for people. The fans do not want to hear these things. I don't lie to myself. I see the record and I accept any decision."