Erik ten Hag has backed Kobbie Mainoo to ‘progress a lot’ after his impressive performance in Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Everton on Sunday.
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The 18-year-old was handed his first ever Premier League start for United’s trip to Goodison Park, while it was his first appearance of the campaign after he suffered an ankle injury during pre-season.
Mainoo was hailed as United’s Man of the Match by captain Bruno Fernandes for his performance at the heart of Ten Hag’s midfield against Everton.
And Ten Hag believes Mainoo has the potential to quickly become a key part of his United side.
When asked about Mainoo’s display after United’s win, Ten Hag said: ‘He has a lot of ability.
‘It was a really disappointing moment in pre-season when he got so badly injured for him but also for our team because I know he can progress a lot if he plays many such games like today. I know players, young players especially, develop very quickly.
‘We thought this was the moment to bring him in. We prepared him properly but he did a great job and now he has to build on this.’
In a separate interview with BBC Sport, Ten Hag described Mainoo’s performance against Everton as ‘mature’.
‘We know we are in a transition period, still,’ Ten Hag said.
‘We have to develop players but we can’t give them chances, you have to deserve it.
‘It was very painful for us when he got that bad injury in pre-season. Now he is back, first start, pleased with his performance, now you have to do it repeatedly. That is now the challenge we have with him.
‘But he’s a good boy, he’s already very mature, that’s what he showed today – in and out of possession – he did his job very well.’
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