Erik ten Hag’s January transfer decision has proven to be huge positive for Man United

Erik ten Hag had one hand behind his back in the January transfer window in terms of incomings, however, made one positive decision that looks to prove positive for Manchester United.

It was shortly after Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit from the club. United needed a new world class centre-forward but the Dutch manager had to settle for Burnley striker Wout Weghorst on loan.

The Reds managed to secure a third-place finish in the Premier League despite this and also won the Carabao Cup in February.

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Yet, it was the decision to keep Kobbie Mainoo at the club, whilst he had various loan interest from Football League clubs, that already seems to have become a great decision from the manager.

Ten Hag believed that it would be more positive for the teenager to continue his development at Carrington for the rest of the season, playing with the first-team regularly in training, getting matchday experience as well as continuing to play in the Under-21s.

Now, the midfielder has looked confident alongside his peers during pre-season fixtures. You could argue that he was the star player in each half he played against Leeds, Lyon and Arsenal.

The ability to continue working closely with the midfielder has allowed Ten Hag to mould the young star and ingrain his principles into him. Mainoo would’ve got gametime if he left on loan but that would not have put him in as good of a position as this.

There is a genuine chance that he becomes a first-team regular next term. A loan this coming season is out of the question for a player that Ten Hag “loves to madness” and he will continue to develop under the Dutchman himself.

It is slightly rarer for young talents to thrive without a loan before entering big club like United. David Beckham even spent time with Preston North End before his breakthrough under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Yet, it seems clear that the decision Ten Hag has taken with Mainoo is one that will bring significant positives to the team and the player.

United’s midfield depth is not their strongest point and he is already staking a claim for a place in the squad going forward.