Erik ten Hag disagrees with Rio Ferdinand’s comparison involving Kobbie Mainoo

Erik ten Hag has disagreed with Rio Ferdinand’s prior comparison between Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and Clarence Seedorf.

Mainoo, 18, has emerged as an important first-team player for United this term. Ten Hag has started the teenager in 12 consecutive Premier League games.

The highlight of Mainoo’s season so far was his last-gasp winning goal away against Wolves last month.

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Following the strike, which was eventually voted Premier League Goal of the Month for February, the United midfielder received immense praise from Rio Ferdinand.

“I’m not saying he’s of the same ability or that he’s that player yet, but he gives me vibes of Clarence Seedorf,” the former United defender said on TNT Sports. “The way he manoeuvres in tight situations, the way he manipulates this ball, and the way he uses his body at times.”

However, Ten Hag has since addressed such comparisons and believes that it is wrong for Mainoo to be compared to other players.

“So I think never ever compare players with another player,” stressed Ten Hag in his latest press conference. “Never. Because Kobbie Mainoo, but also other players, they build their own identity.

“Don’t compare with anyone. His skillset, that is so typical. And it’s so Kobbie Mainoo, it’s nothing to do with other players.

“Of course, he can learn from other players, especially from great players as Clarence Seedorf was. But Kobbie Mainoo is Kobbie Mainoo. He has big potential and I’m quite sure he will have a big career.”