‚We will interfere‘ – Erik ten Hag explains how Kobbie Mainoo will handle hype after England debut
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes Kobbie Mainoo will handle expectations set of him after making his England debut, but has vowed to ‚interfere‘ if the 18-year-old veers off track.
Mainoo has enjoyed a phenomenal breakthrough season so far and was recently rewarded with a first two senior England caps over the March international window, impressing in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.
Ten Hag has routinely spoken of his belief in Mainoo, and ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Brentford, he was asked for his thoughts on how the youngster did on his first Three Lions start against Belgium on Tuesday.
„I thought it was very good, but we are not surprised,“ Ten Hag said. „We have seen what he is capable of, that he can very quickly adapt to high levels. It looks very natural.
„We are very happy for him and of course a little bit proud. I would say very proud.
„It’s great for the academy of Manchester United that they bring up a player so young going into the national team. That is a big compliment for the whole club.
„I think definitely in the first place for himself because he did it. But also for all the ones who worked with him during his time in the academy, so it’s very good news for Manchester United.“
Ten Hag was then asked if he has to manage the hype around Mainoo, to which he replied: „Yes, but we have discussed this before and so far he handles it very well.
„If he crosses the line, yeah, of course I as a manager, we as coaches, will interfere.
„But so far it’s not necessary because he enjoys football, he wants to win, he wants to give his best every day because he want to improve.
„As I say, he just wants to have fun on the pitch. For him, it’s fun to play dominant, to dictate the game and to win the game.“