Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has opted to keep Kobbie Mainoo as part of the first-team setup next season, according to the Manchester Evening News.
There was talk that the 18-year-old, who has been labelled as the “next Pogba” by some in the media, could be sent out on loan but he has impressed ten Hag enough to remain at the club.
Fans on Twitter are delighted that Mainoo will be given first-team opportunities next season, and they believe it is well deserved considering how he has performed when given the chance by ten Hag:
Good news
— Nana Kwesi Eshun (@_NanaCwesi_) July 20, 2023
Top talent
— Dyke’s (@DykeStevenn123) July 20, 2023
This lad has a great future
— stuart liddington (@stulidd) July 20, 2023
Way to go..!!👏🏾
— Amavyon🀄️ (@victorangyu) July 20, 2023
10-15 starts next season
— Ezy_utd (@Rashy181) July 20, 2023
Well deserved
— Auay Jokesomefun (@SundayAkinjide) July 20, 2023
Best decision for mainoo he deserves it and I think most people will agree
— xkiller 22 (@xkiller8826) July 20, 2023
About time
— VickyJay 🇶🇦 (@JhayUtd) July 20, 2023
Ten Hag rates Mainoo very highly
After handing the teenager his senior debut versus Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup last season, ten Hag revealed that Mainoo had impressed both in training and friendly matches:
“For him (Mainoo) it’s a great opportunity, he did very well during the winter camp in Spain. He also did very well against Everton in a friendly. He deserved to play, so I’m happy to give him the opportunity – it’s about deserving it”
Mainoo has continued to look the part in a United shirt
The midfielder has looked impressive in pre-season. After playing well against Leeds last week, he was even more impressive in the 1-0 win over Lyon on Wednesday.
Mainoo is comfortable on the ball, and he is not afraid to back himself in tight spaces. It will be interesting to see how much he is used by ten Hag when the new campaign kicks off next month.
