Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has praised Kobbie Mainoo as an “amazing talent”, recalling the early signs that convinced him to promote the midfielder to the club’s first team.
Mainoo had impressed Ten Hag while playing for United’s second team, although the Dutchman believed the youngster needed to be tested in more demanding training exercises before stepping up.
Erik ten Hag on Kobbie Mainoo’s emergence
“The first time I saw him, playing for the second team, I thought, ‘OK, he’s an amazing talent’,” Ten Hag said.
“But he was too easy. I saw that we needed him to get in a higher intensity. We started to bring him in drills where we challenged him on dynamics.”
Ten Hag was in charge at Old Trafford from the summer of 2022 until October 2024. While his tenure divided opinion among Manchester United supporters, his willingness to introduce young players such as Mainoo was regarded as a notable aspect of his management.
Mainoo has since established himself as an important player for United and has also represented England. Ten Hag’s assessment suggests the former manager identified his potential at an early stage of his development.
The midfielder later endured a spell with limited playing time under Ten Hag’s successor, Ruben Amorim. He is now continuing his development under current United manager Michael Carrick.
Ten Hag’s decision to give Mainoo an opportunity in the senior side could prove significant as the 21-year-old looks to build on his progress at Old Trafford.
