“Nothing to do with other players…” Erik ten Hag tells fans to NOT compare Kobbie Mainoo

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has told pundits and fans to stop comparing Kobbie Mainoo to other players.

It has been a whirlwind debut season for Mainoo, 18, so far. Despite still being just a teenager, the talented Englishman has already started fourteen Premier League games for United so far this season.

Highly lauded, Mainoo has seen himself frequently spoken about by several key figures from the world of football.

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Former United striker Andy Cole has claimed Mainoo can become one of the best players in world football, whilst England manager Gareth Southgate has admitted the national side are keeping a close eye on the young midfielder.

Elsewhere there have been several notable comparisons from pundits and ex-pros. Paul Merson would describe Mainoo’s game-winning goal against Wolves as ‘Messi or Ronaldo-esque’, whilst former United defender Rio Ferdinand has stated that he sees similarities between Mainoo and legendary midfielder Clarence Seedorf.

Queried on the comparisons and praise around Mainoo, United manager Ten Hag would tell reporters that he sees Mainoo as his own kind of player, and encouraged the comparisons to stop.

“I think never ever compare players with another player,” explained Ten Hag. “Never. Because Kobbie Mainoo, but also other players, they build their own identity.

“Don’t compare with anyone. His skill set, 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.”

Next up for United and the midfielder will be Liverpool in the FA Cup Quarter-Final on Sunday, an opposition Mainoo will be no stranger to.

Mainoo would start against the Merseyside club back in December, playing an integral part as the Red Devils held their rivals to a 0-0 draw.