Erik ten Hag explains two reasons why Kobbie Mainoo is benched for Man United vs Galatasaray

Erik ten Hag has explained why he has chosen Sofyan Amrabat over Kobbie Mainoo for Manchester United’s clash against Galatasaray in the Champions League.

Mainoo, 18, was the best player last time out against Everton during his full Premier League debut but is starting on the bench in Turkey.

Ten Hag has explained that there are two main reasons why the young teenager is not in the lineup, with Sofyan Amrabat’s experience, especially in European competition, being one.

“Sofyan [Amrabat] is used to playing big matches and he has a lot of experience in big atmospheres,” Ten Hag told reporters.

The United loanee reached the Europa Conference League final with Fiorentina last term but has struggled during the early stages of his Old Trafford career.

However, the more pressing reason that Ten Hag explained was the caution from Mainoo recently returning from injury.

He was sidelined for several months and especially with the fierce weather conditions, it is more sensible to start him on the bench.

“Kobbie [Mainoo] is coming back from injury,” added Ten Hag. “He has to get used to playing a certain number of matches at a high level and with great intensity.”

Instead, the next Premier League game against Newcastle could be the next opportunity for Mainoo to start. He has shown that he can make an impact and could even appear from the bench in Istanbul.