Erik ten Hag addresses Man Utd fan concern after Kobbie Mainoo’s England debut

Erik ten Hag expressed his pride in Kobbie Mainoo to the media ahead of Manchester United’s clash against Brentford following the teenager’s England debut.

Mainoo, 18, was one of the standout players for Gareth Southgate’s England side this past international break as United’s No. 37 didn’t look out of place in a star-studded midfield despite his tender age.

After a calm and confident display against Belgium, his first start for The Three Lions, the teenager was awarded the Player of the Match. Performances like this have become something that Erik ten Hag and those in the stands at Old Trafford are beginning to expect from Kobbie and he only seems to be getting better.

Following his fast-tracked promotion to the men’s team, many rival fans (looking at you, Liverpool) have said that Southgate only called up the dynamic midfielder due to the statue of Manchester United, but his two appearances at Wembley showed that this simply isn’t the case.

Speaking to the press ahead of the Red Devil’s return to Premier League action against Brentford on Saturday evening, Ten Hag was full of praise for the Carrington graduate saying:

“I thought it was very good [display for England] but we are not surprised. We know what he is capable of, he can very quickly adapt to high levels. It looks very natural, and we are very happy for him.

“Of course, we are also very [proud]; it’s great for the academy of Manchester United to bring up a player so young going into the national team; it’s a big compliment for the whole club. For himself, because he did it, but also for all the ones who worked with him during his time in the academy, it’s very good news for Manchester United.

Many fans have taken to social media to express their worry that perhaps this is too much too soon as Mainoo’s career is just beginning and has skyrocketed to stardom, but the Dutchman is keen to keep him grounded and not swept up in the hype.

“Yes, but we have discussed this (getting carried away with the hype) before. So far, he handles it very well, and if he crosses the line, of course, I, as a manager, we, as coaches, will interfere.

“But so far it is not necessary because he wants to play football, he wants to win, he wants to give his best every day because he wants to improve, he just wants to have fun on the pitch. Fun for him is to play dominant, to dictate the game and win the game.”

Football fans around the world are starting to realise what the United faithful have been shouting about all season. Kobbie Mainoo is sensational, and his ticket to Germany for the Euros should already be booked!