Erik ten Hag is not letting Kobbie Mainoo go anywhere this summer.
The 18-year-old featured for the Red Devils on Saturday against Arsenal, the first fixture of the side’s pre-season tour of the United States, and received plaudits for another stunning performance in the centre of the park.
He lined up against a star-studded midfield trio of Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, the latter of which just became the most expensive British player ever after completing his £105 million transfer to the Emirates. Mainoo undoubtedly outplayed all three.
Stockport-born Mainoo is technically gifted, athletic, calm on the ball and despite his young age, a dominant and imposing figure. Such traits have him higher in the pecking order than other Carrington graduates; as per ESPN, his development was deemed further ahead than the likes of Zidane Iqbal and Charlie Savage, hence their recent exits.
United turn down loan offers for Mainoo
The report adds that clubs from the Championship and League One have enquired this summer about the Englishman’s availability for a potential loan but as it stands, it’s a “firm ‘no’” from the hierarchy at Old Trafford.
After Alejandro Garnacho just oversaw a scintillating breakthrough campaign, it’s made it clear that Ten Hag knows how, when and where to utilise young talent in order to ensure their progress to senior football is as smooth and efficient as possible. Mainoo is set to be the next – and he’s giving supporters high hopes.
