“Just let him play…” – Premier League legend tells Erik ten Hag to change approach for Man United star

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has urged Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to allow Kobbie Mainoo to be the ‘orchestrator’ of the Red Devils’ midfield.

Mainoo, 18, has impressed in his limited game time so far this season, slotting into an injury-riddled Manchester United midfield as the standout player more often than not.

Making his 10th appearance of the season against Spurs in United’s 2-2 draw with the London side, Mainoo would draw a considerable amount of praise from Premier League legend Ian Wright.

Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day 2, Wright stated the following about Mainoo:

“He is somebody now and I’m looking at Man United playing counter-attacking football at home when you have a player who can progress the ball with such calmness and such fluidity.

“I would love to see him in a situation where he would get the ball and then be able to just blast the ball forward.

“I think at some stage, just let him play. Let him be the orchestrator of progressing the ball and playing the ball, so the front men, instead of having to continuously have to run in transition, come and link play, play some one-twos. Come and play football.”

Despite being such a young age, it is clear Mainoo has already won the faith of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.

Mainoo’s appearance against Spurs marked the midfielder’s sixth consecutive start for the side, including being trusted to play over eighty minutes against United’s bitter rivals Liverpool late last year.

Dan Gore, who played alongside Mainoo in the midfield for the Red Devils’ U19s, is believed to have attracted loan interest from a host of clubs.

Meanwhile, according to Utd District sources, United have made progress in tying down Mainoo’s fellow academy prospect Isak Hansen-Aarøen.