"He's playing with confidence"- Erik ten Hag delivers glowing verdict on Manchester United youngster after 2-0 Arsenal win
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag hailed Kobbie Mainoo after the 18-year-old midfielder excelled in the Red Devils' 2-0 win against Arsenal in a pre-season friendly on July 22.
Manchester United's pre-season tour in the United States continued at the MetLife Stadium yesterday as they took on Mikel Arteta's Arsenal. The Red Devils took the lead when Mainoo assisted Bruno Fernandes for the opening goal in the 30th minute. Jadon Sancho doubled their advantage in the 37th minute with a brilliant finish.
Kobbie Mainoo looked comfortable in central midfield alongside Mason Mount against Arsenal. The England U19 international put in an assured performance against the likes of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, and Kai Havertz.
Ten Hag was pleased with the youngster's performance. He spoke to MUTV after the game (via Manchester Evening News):
He added:
Kobbie Mainoo is reportedly expected to play a role in the Red Devils' squad for the 2023-24 season and was recently informed that he would be not sent on loan this summer.
Newly appointed Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes firmly believes that Kobbie Mainoo has a bright future at the club.
Mainoo joined the Red Devils' youth academy at the age of nine and worked his way up through the ranks. The central midfielder signed his first professional contract with the club in May 2022 and made his senior debut in January 2023 against Charlton in the League Cup.
The 22-year-old has only made three senior appearances in total, but there are high hopes for his future. After his impressive first-half cameo against Arsenal, Fernandes hailed Mainoo for his mature performance.
He told MUTV (via Manchester Evening News):
He continued:
Kobbie Mainoo is capable of playing any role in
Read on sportskeeda.com
