Erik ten Hag says he is already looking for the next Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United

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Manchester United have a talented academy right now, but as has become a tradition for Erik ten Hag, one could become a regular this season.

The link between the first team and the academy at Manchester United has always been strong and right now is no different with several talents tipped for the top.

The likes of Harry Amass, Shea Lacey and Amir Ibragimov are among those exciting fans and journalists alike.

For Erik ten Hag, the academy has been a source of success too, with both Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo now his most important players.

But who is the next Mainoo? Ten Hag has now had his say on this subject and admitted he’s wondering the same as the rest of us.

• READ MORE: Manchester United’s Best Academy Players of All Time

Erik ten Hag is now looking for the next Kobbie Mainoo

After back-to-back success stories from the academy in his first two years as boss, everyone is wondering if Ten Hag will have yet another prospect turn into a star.

Speaking in his first press conference of the new season at Carrington, the manager explained that he is also wondering about this.

“In every season, after a break, you will have surprises,” said Ten Hag.

“We’re looking forward, we’re so curious: who is it this season, the surprise who can contribute to our team?

“Like last year, Kobbie Mainoo, and Alejandro Garnacho coming up and playing a big role. They are the two goalscorers in the [Emirates FA Cup] final.

“Today, we started [training], but which player is there who can do the same?”

With Mainoo’s success being the target, who could follow in his footsteps? United have a few options currently knocking on the door.

• READ MORE: Who is Kobbie Mainoo? Inside the life of Man Utd’s rising star, including his parents, brother and school

Who could follow Mainoo’s example?

This season there are a few options for those who could find themselves handed an important role at the club straight out of the academy and get their debut for the club.

Toby Collyer is one as he has already been tipped to follow in Mainoo’s footsteps. To add to this, after the FA Cup win he was spotted having a one-on-one talk with Ten Hag.

If it isn’t Collyer, Harry Amass will also be fancying his chances at making an impact on the senior side next season. This will be increasingly likely if no left-back is signed this summer.

• READ MORE: Who is Harry Amass? Man Utd Age, Position, Nationality, Stats

Outside of these two, there could be an outside chance for Shea Lacey, although, after his injury issues, he should be focussing on keeping fit rather than challenging for a first-team spot.