Emerging talent Kobbie Mainoo has extended his gratitude to Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag for providing him with the opportunity to shine within the first team. The young midfielder credits Ten Hag’s guidance and support for his successful transition into the senior squad.
Mainoo, who has flourished under Ten Hag’s mentorship, shared insights into the manager’s impactful role in his development.
He expressed, “He just wanted me to be more dominant and just demand the ball all the time. And when I first came up with the first team, he told me he was going to push me, and he did.”
The Manchester United boss emphasized Mainoo’s need for dominance and consistent ball demand, a coaching approach that has evidently paid off.
Mainoo’s integration into the first team has been marked by notable growth and contributions to the squad.
Acknowledging Ten Hag’s instrumental role, Mainoo elaborated, “He’s been so helpful, always guiding me, as well as the senior players, and pushed me to help me keep developing and keep getting better and better. So all credit to him.”
Reflecting on a standout moment in his early career, Mainoo highlighted the memorable Wolves goal, describing it as “crazy.
” The exhilarating moment, watched repeatedly by Mainoo himself, holds significance in his journey. He added, “It was a nice clutch moment.”
While cherishing his earlier achievement against Newport, Mainoo emphasized the unique circumstances of the Wolves game, where a 3-3 draw and added time created an unforgettable scenario.
The young midfielder’s acknowledgment of the impact of such pivotal moments underlines his appreciation for the opportunities provided by Erik ten Hag and the Manchester United coaching staff.