Dimitar Berbatov has given a glowing review of Kobbie Mainoo's talents despite him encountering a 'really cruel' period at Manchester United.
Mainoo has not started a Premier League game this season and his World Cup hopes are wilting as Ruben Amorim prefers a midfield duo of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.
It is the first major setback in the 20-year-old's career, who saw a loan request denied in the summer.
Former United striker Berbatov is urging Amorim to give the Mancunian midfielder more of a chance to show off the qualities he displayed in the previous two seasons.