Erik ten Hag didn’t hesitate in dropping his full verdict on Kobbie Mainoo’s elite mindset after the Manchester United star’s breakthrough season at Old Trafford.
Kobbie Mainoo, who came through the youth academy, has made a sensational impact in Manchester United’s midfield since his emergence in the first team.
The 18-year-old Stockport-born player was part of the pre-season tour in the United States last summer, but he missed the start of United’s season due to injury.
However, Mainoo seized the opportunity upon his return from injury and produced a stellar performance on his first Premier League start in the 3-0 win over Everton.
The United midfielder, who revealed how he made it at the club, has established himself in the first team and found himself starting regularly under Erik ten Hag.
Mainoo scored for the first time for United’s senior team last month in the 4-2 away win against League Two side Newport County in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The England Under-19s international also found the back of the net for the first time in the Premier League in United’s thrilling 4-3 away win against Wolves last week.
Ten Hag talks up United star Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo has played in nine Premier League matches for Manchester United this season, with the Red Devils youngster starting in all nine fixtures.
The United midfielder’s impact this season has earned rave reviews in the football world, with Roy Keane dropping the ultimate compliment on him recently.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Erik ten Hag was asked about Mainoo and if he thought the United star was ‘level-headed’ and for an insight into his overall personality.
“He is [level-headed]. He is a fantastic boy to work with because he’s very coachable,” he said.
“He wants to learn; he wants to improve every day and that are the guys you want to work with.”
Ten Hag also recalled his first experience of seeing Mainoo in action and how he felt the United star was a “little bit too comfortable” during a training session.
However, the Dutchman added that United’s coaching staff worked together with the Under-21 coaches to speed up Mainoo’s development at youth level.
When asked about the first time he realised Mainoo had ‘big talent,’ Ten Hag said: “Quite soon. First time last season when I saw him playing in training in the Under-21s.
“I thought he was a little bit too comfortable. We had to push him. I think we did a very good job in togetherness with the academy [and] the Under-21 coaches.”
Ten Hag on Mainoo’s development
Ten Hag insisted that he is happy with Mainoo’s ongoing progression at United and admitted that it is “really enjoyable” to see him in action on the pitch.
“In this moment, he is progressing from game to game and this is what big talents are,” he said.
“They take every time the challenge and achieve in short notice higher levels and that is what Kobbie is doing at this moment.
“We are really pleased and it’s really enjoyable to watch him play football.”
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