Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has an important first-team Red Devils player who has it “all” and will be a “very wanted man” in the future.
That is according to Manchester United legend Nicky Butt, who has waxed lyrical about one “top player” at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag.
Nicky Butt made his sensational return to Old Trafford on Saturday for the Red Devils’ ‘legends match’ against Scottish side Celtic.
United Legends played out a 1-1 draw against Celtic Legends before securing a 5-4 win on penalties as part of the Manchester United Foundation’s charity match.
Butt came off the bench after the break and replaced fellow legend Michael Carrick, with United leading at the time thanks to Wayne Rooney’s sensational free-kick.
Gary Hooper cancelled out Wayne Rooney’s first-half opener on the hour mark after he pulled Celtic Legends back into the contest at Old Trafford.
Butt’s high praise for Man Utd star
Speaking after the Manchester United Foundation match, Nicky Butt dropped his verdict on the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United last season.
Kobbie Mainoo had a breakout season under Erik ten Hag in the 2023-24 campaign, with the United star becoming a pivotal midfield figure for the Red Devils.
The 19-year-old’s success at Old Trafford led to his senior England call-up back in March, with Mainoo later playing a starring role at Euro 2024 in the summer.
Butt spoke highly about the development of Mainoo and the United star’s quality, despite warning that the Stockport-born player “will be a very wanted man.”
“He’s a top player,” he said, as per the Metro.
“I’ve known him for a long time, since he was a kid.”
“He has got amazing temperament for a young man, great ability, great feet. He’s got it all really and obviously he will be a very wanted man.”
Mainoo on Ten Hag’s influence
Kobbie Mainoo has been away from Old Trafford during the September international break after interim manager Lee Carsley called him up for England.
The Three Lions international played 77 minutes for England before he was withdrawn in the 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.
Mainoo has started all four matches for United across all competitions this season, with the England star remaining a key midfield influence for Ten Hag.
The United and England midfielder welcomed the news that Ten Hag would remain at Old Trafford for the current campaign after the Dutchman signed a new deal.
“Obviously, happy to be building with him, he’s already got two trophies so, hopefully, there is more to come,” Mainoo said in June.
“It is nice to have that peace of mind that we know which manager we are going back to next season.
“I’m so grateful to him that he put so much trust in me and believed in me to play in the team and I can’t thank him enough.”
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/o1ZbNjd