Erik ten Hag makes decisive transfer decision on Man Utd wonderkid he 'loves'
Manchester United teenager Kobbie Mainoo is not expected to complete a loan spell away from Old Trafford this coming season.
Erik ten Hag is a big fan of Mainoo and wants him to be part of his squad. The 18-year-old midfielder helped United win the FA Youth Cup in May 2022 and is the club's reigning Young Player of the Year after making three first-team appearances last season.
Mainoo started United's pre-season friendly against Leeds last Wednesday before being replaced by Charlie Savage, the son of Mirror Football columnist Robbie, at half-time. Mainoo played well in Oslo and even impressed United legend Andy Cole.
Mainoo made Ten Hag's matchday squad 16 times last season and appeared in the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup. He was denied the chance to play an even bigger role in Ten Hag's first season in charge of United after picking up an injury.
According to The Athletic, Ten Hag has no plans to send Mainoo out on loan and he will remain part of his squad. The United boss is said to "love him to madness" and is confident the youngster, who represents England at U19 level, can continue to impress.
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It's easy to see why Ten Hag rates Mainoo so highly after his stellar display against Leeds. Speaking to United's website, five-time Premier League title winner Cole said: "In the first half, the young central midfield player [Mainoo] was very good.
"I was speaking to someone who said if he hadn’t been injured, he might have played a few games at the back end of last season. I was looking at him the other day and I was thinking to myself, 'I can see why'. He looked a really good player."
Ten Hag insisted Mainoo was "on his way" to breaking into his starting XI back in May. The United boss is willing to give young players an opportunity at Old Trafford, with exciting teenage winger Alejandro Garnacho making 34 appearances last season.
Ten Hag added: "Man Utd has a big history of youth development and to develop them and progress them into the first team... We want to develop players into the first team... There is a pathway to the first team but they have to deserve it."
Do you think Kobbie Mainoo will break into Manchester United's starting XI next season? Let us know in the comments below!
Mainoo made his debut for United in their 3-0 win against Charlton in January's Carabao Cup tie. The teenager's inclusion in the starting XI was a surprise, with regular midfielders Christian Eriksen and Casemiro starting the game from the bench.
Ten Hag said before the tie: "It's a great opportunity, he did very well during the winter camp in Spain. He also did very well against Everton in a friendly. He deserved to play, so I'm happy to give him the opportunity - it's about deserving it. He has to [be ready]."
Mainoo is expected to be part of the pre-season tour to the United States. Ten Hag's side will face Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund during their trip.
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