Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has followed through on his promise to bring more young players into the first team.
It is just over one year ago that Erik ten Hag brought Alejandro Garnacho into the Manchester United team as a regular. The young prospect made an immediate impact, with goals against Real Sociedad and Fulham, securing his place in the squad.
Ten Hag told Eurosport at the time, he wanted more: “I’m really happy that we can bring a young player up and it shows that when players deserve it, they get their chances.
“That is the first one, but we have to bring more.”
Kobbie Mainoo follows Garnacho
A year on, 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo has followed his FA Youth Cup winning teammate Garnacho into the Manchester United first team.
He actually made his debut last season, just as Garnacho did under Ralf Rangnick. But just like Garnacho really kicked on in October and November under Erik ten Hag, it was the events of the past week which saw Mainoo really nail down his spot.
Mainoo started in Premier League games away at Everton and Newcastle, and played more than half an hour away at Galatasaray.
The teenager handled it all very well and has drawn praise for his performances, showing Erik ten Hag was right to put his faith in him.
Where Mainoo was one year ago
While Erik ten Hag was talking about his desire to bring more young players through, he was already planning Mainoo’s rise.
Travis Binnion confirmed to The Athletic a year ago that Mainoo was taking steps behind the scenes at Carrington.
He said: “He’s progressing nicely. His strengths are close control, good awareness, body contact. He’s really good in both boxes, he’s combative. He’s got a nice blend of many skills.
“He’s been training with the first team and doing well.”
Mainoo is the second young player to establish himself as a regular under Erik ten Hag and he won’t be the last.
Work is continually taking place at United to give opportunities to young players, with 16-year-old Jack Fletcher involved in first team training last week.
Meanwhile, here is a look at six more youngsters with high potential who could follow Mainoo’s rise.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/uT8mdlg