Erik ten Hag gives verdict on whether Kobbie Mainoo could start v Galatasaray

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Erik ten Hag has said the hostile atmosphere that awaits his Manchester United team will not deter him from picking Kobbie Mainoo.

Kobbie Mainoo shone during his first Premier League start for the Red Devils as the 18-year-old showed what all the fuss was about after his terrific performances in pre-season.

Manchester United go into tomorrow night’s crucial Champions League clash against Galatasaray knowing that anything other than a win will either end or virtually end their prospects of qualifying for the last 16.

Starting the 18-year-old in such a hostile atmosphere sounds like it could be a risk but, based on Ten Hag’s comments, the midfielder looks to be in line for his second consecutive start.

Ten Hag on Mainoo

According to the Manchester Evening News, the Dutchman was asked about the teenager and whether it would be a risk to start him against the Turkish giants, Ten Hag, however, was confident.

“No. We don’t have fear. If players are good enough, they are old enough,” the 53-year-old said. “We are very pleased (with Mainoo), but it is one performance. You have to do it on a consistent base. We are confident he can do it, but you have to prove it. You are only as good as your last game.

“Enjoy it first, but keep the focus on the game. Don’t get distracted. It is about the game, focus on your game, your performance and get the right levels in.”

One of the Dutchman’s strengths is his ability to keep academy players’ feet firmly on the ground and not allow them to get too carried away, which is what is needed.

Mainoo to start

The most impressive aspect of the teenager’s performance at Goodison Park was that the atmosphere did not phase him one bit.

A similar mentality will be needed if he is to line up in Turkey as the Galatasaray fans have a notoriously tough and hostile atmosphere, with the Turkish fans creating ‘Welcome To Hell’ banners when the squad landed for the European game back in 1993, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Even though it surely won’t be as bad as that encounter before the turn of the millennium, United will need to be weary and not allow their heads to drop.

Starting Mainoo is a risk, but it was at the weekend too, and he passed his test at Everton with flying colours. The quality and the composure he has could be exactly what United need.