Jamie Redknapp says Kobbie Mainoo is facing a much tougher challenge at Manchester United than Phil Foden ever has at Manchester City.

It’s been a fantastic March for Kobbie Mainoo as he played a key role in the FA Cup triumph over Liverpool which earned him his first England call-up and debut.

After winning Player of the Match for the Three Lions against Belgium, the 18-year-old received a lot of praise, but on Saturday night, he returned to reality.

Even if Mainoo wasn’t the worst player, his return to the United team seemed to sap any lust for victory over Liverpool.

Erik ten Hag’s team played apathetically against Brentford in the Premier League, and they were fortunate not to trail 4-0 at halftime.

Despite Brentford’s overwhelming dominance, Mason Mount gave United an unjustified lead in the 96th minute.

The Bees responded to gain a point, which was the very least they deserved, even if everyone believed they had won.

Jamie Redknapp claims that Mainoo has a far tougher task than Phil Foden has ever had, and United’s troubles demonstrate exactly how good Mainoo has been to stand out.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ coverage of the game, Jamie Redknapp said: “More difficult.

“When you come into a team that’s playing well and you’ve got a Man City team with a young player, a bit like Phil Foden did, it’s not as difficult.

“Because you’re playing with great players, you’re winning games.

“He’s having to take games by the scruff of the next at 18 years of age.

“He’s played 20 times for Man United, the biggest compliment I can give him, he looks like he’s played 300.

“He’s that calm, he’s that cool. For England in midweek, the crowd love him, he’s a superstar in the making.

“He’s just got to keep his head down, keep working hard, doing all the things that he’s done to get him where he is right now and keep playing at that level.

“He’s a superstar.”

The hype surrounding Mainoo has skyrocketed this past week with his unexpected England call-up and strong display on his international bow.

There’s nothing wrong with getting excited, especially about a player who looks to be exactly what Gareth Southgate’s side was missing, but it’s important not to inflate expectations too much.

Even though Mainoo has inherited potential, he is still extremely young and is always picking up new skills and developing personally.

There will be challenges and times when he can’t control the circumstances.

Mainoo made some great passes against Brentford, but he also faltered in a few challenges against strong opponents, giving up the ball in dangerous circumstances.

That’s expected—he’s learning, that’s perfectly natural. This realistic dose has come at the ideal time.