When Kobbie Mainoo replaced Marcel Sabitzer towards the end of Manchester United's 3-0 win over Leicester in February, it was the first of what the Reds hope will be man Premier League appearances for them. The Stockport-born teenager might only have been on for 10 minutes but completing seven of his eight passes showed the composure on the ball that Erik ten Hag covets in his players.
Mainoo had penned a new long-term deal at the club just days earlier having already made the cut for 12 first-team squads, including in matches against Barcelona, Manchester City and Arsenal. Now, fresh from winning the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award, he's gearing up for a pre-season that could see him genuinely fighting for a more permanent role alongside the likes of Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount in midfield.
United's Academy head Nick Cox detailed his pride in the teenager after his Premier League debut, explaining how Ten Hag only offers such opportunities to those who earn their place. And in doing so he unpacked how the manager is shaping him for possible future inclusion.
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“[We are] always delighted when a young boy makes a debut, particularly when they start a game,” Cox told in-house media.
“It’s very different coming off the bench than starting a game, so he’s had to earn that. The manager doesn’t do favours. You play in the team if you’re good enough.
“You don’t get special treatment because you’re a young lad who’s come through the system, you’ve got to earn it. He’s done that and that’s great.”
Cox outlined the work ahead for Mainoo can be considered a regular in the first-team squad but that the early signs are promising after the hard work he’s put in. He pinpointed how Ten Hag is nurturing the youngster with one eye on the future.
Cox added: “There’s a long way to go. I’m obviously really proud of him, really pleased for him, and for his family. He’s been with us since a very young age.
“A lot of people have had a lot of hard work and effort to support him and navigate him on a journey, and now he falls under the care of the manager and his team. He’s going to be well looked after because they’re very passionate about young players and making sure that their team consists of young players – particularly homegrown ones.
“[Ten Hag is] teaching him exactly how he wants him to play, should he become a regular member of the first team and play on a regular basis at some point in the future.
“You want to see players stay in the building, work with the academy, work with the first team, and find their way into the first team under our care. That is the ideal journey."
