“I am so grateful for him” - Manchester United star glad to have ‘peace of mind’ knowing Erik ten Hag is staying
Kobbie Mainoo is delighted Erik ten Hag remains in charge of Manchester United and hopes to win more trophies under the Dutchman. His manager's future was under intense speculation once the season concluded, with INEOS conducting an end-of-season review.
Mainoo, 19, talked up Ten Hag and how thankful he is to work with the Dutch coach. He said (via mufcMPB):
"He’s already got two trophies and hopefully there are more to come. It is nice to have that peace of mind, we know what manager we are going back to in the new season. I am so grateful for him, I can't thank him enough."
The Red Devils' new co-owners opted to keep Ten Hag despite holding talks with former Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel. The Dutch coach is negotiating with Manchester United over a new contract after guiding them to the FA Cup, his second trophy in as many seasons.
Mainoo's development has come under Ten Hag, and the English wonder kid has flourished. He enjoyed a breakout 2023-24 season, registering five goals and one assist in 32 games across competitions.
One of the main reasons INEOS opted to keep Ten Hag was his use of youth and bedding them into the senior team. Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, 19, and Willy Kambwala, 19, were regulars last season.
"Bring him up and hammer him down" - Ten Hag urged patience with Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo's incredible season earned him a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024. He's in Germany with the Three Lions after scoring the winner in Manchester United's 2-1 FA Cup final win against Manchester City.
That was one of several memorable moments Mainoo conjured up last season. He also scored arguably his best goal, a winner in a 4-3 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the league.
Ten Hag spoke a week after that remarkable goal, where he weaved his way into the box before curling home exquisitely. The Dutch tactician refused to get carried away, hinting at the quick change in opinion in English football:
"It's always difficult, I don't want to downplay it because it was fantastic. But I know also don't make him too big because the same people will bring him up and hammer him down. Because he will get his setbacks."
Mainoo is viewed as the future of Manchester United, and he'll be spending at least next season under Ten Hag. The Red Devils are expected to strengthen their midfield this summer to help the English teenager continue to excel at Old Trafford.