Speaking on Sky Sports, Gary Neville said: "I made the inquiry in the transfer window over the summer about whether they needed another central midfielder.
"Sofyan Amrabat was linked with Manchester United at the time but they've said that if Kobbie Mainoo hadn't been injured, they'd have not brought anyone in.
"The faith in Mainoo was there from the start. He's proven that he's got the quality as well as the temperament to play in these big matches, he's a real star."
Man United were interested in signing Amrabat on a permanent transfer last summer but due to FFP restrictions the Red Devils could only afford a loan deal.
However, everything worked out just fine for the club with Mainoo now cementing his place in the starting XI and the 27-year-old heading back to Fiorentina soon.
