Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has heaped praise on 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, describing him as the “perfect midfielder” for the team. Mainoo, who enjoyed a successful summer with England at the European Championship, has quickly become an integral part of United’s squad.
Mainoo returned to the United lineup for their opening day win against Fulham, continuing his rapid rise in senior football. His performances with England during the summer were equally impressive, earning him a spot in Gareth Southgate’s side and a start in the European Championship final against Spain.
Last season, Mainoo made a significant impact, becoming a first-team regular under Ten Hag. He even scored in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. His ability to play in multiple midfield roles has made him a key asset for United. At the club, he’s been deployed in a more advanced role, contributing as a goal threat. For England, he partnered with Declan Rice in a 4-2-3-1 formation, showcasing his versatility.
Ten Hag believes Mainoo’s experiences over the summer have been invaluable for his development. “He collected such good experiences [in the summer], and those experiences will help him to become a better player, 100%,” Ten Hag said.
The United boss emphasized Mainoo’s versatility, stating, “The perfect midfielder is one who is very good in attacking, very good in defending. He as a player can do that. He can play as an attacking midfielder and also as a holding midfielder.”
Ten Hag highlighted how Mainoo’s flexibility allows him to adapt to different situations and opponents, making him a crucial part of United’s tactical plans. “With Kobbie, we can use him as an attacking midfielder or a holding midfielder, depending on what is needed,” Ten Hag added.
Mainoo is expected to feature in United’s upcoming match against Brighton, while another young talent, 20-year-old Alejandro Garnacho, is also pushing for his first start of the season. Garnacho, who has already made an impact this season with a goal in the Community Shield and an assist against Fulham, is seen as a player with immense potential.
However, Ten Hag has urged Garnacho to work hard to realize his full potential and reach the level of a world-class player. “To make the jump and become a world-class player, it starts with very hard work,” Ten Hag said. “Garnacho has the X-Factor, and if he wants to be that player people talk about as world-class, he has to show it consistently.”
As Manchester United looks forward to the rest of the season, the emergence of young talents like Mainoo and Garnacho provides a glimpse of a bright future under Ten Hag’s leadership.
