Kobbie Mainoo has expressed his gratitude towards Erik ten Hag as he hailed Manchester United’s decision to keep the Dutchman.
The 19-year-old has become a key player under Ten Hag’s tutelage, culminating in the youngster being named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.
A breakthrough 2023/24 season ended with Mainoo lifting the FA Cup, where he scored the winning goal in the 2-1 win over rivals Manchester City.
United’s second piece of silverware in as many seasons papered over the cracks at Old Trafford somewhat following their eighth-placed finish in the Premier League.
It led to intense speculation that the ex-Ajax boss Ten Hag could be relieved of his duties after just two years.
But despite talks being held with Thomas Tuchel, United ultimately decided to stick with Ten Hag – much to the delight of academy graduate Mainoo.
Speaking ahead of England’s Group C clash against Denmark – live on talkSPORT – Mainoo was asked in the pre-match press conference to give his opinion on United opting to stick with Ten Hag.
To which he said: “Obviously happy to be building with him.
“He’s already got two trophies and hopefully there is more to come.
“It is nice to have that peace of mind that we know what manager we are going back to in the new season.
“I am so grateful for him that he put so much trust in me and belief in me to play in the team. I can’t thank him enough.”
Mainoo, who came off the bench in the Three Lions’ 1-0 win over Serbia in their Euros opener, will be reunited with his United teammates Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund in Thursday’s clash at Eintracht’s Frankfurt Deutsche Bank Park.
Hailing the duo, he remarked: “They’re both great team-mates to me, Rasmus is young like me so I am always around him.
“I am trying to learn and pick up from Christian.
“If I’m to play on Thursday I’ll have to put that to the side, compete against him and hopefully get the win.”
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News Summary:
- ‘I am so grateful’ – Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo opens up on club’s decision to stick with Erik ten Hag
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