Transfer Centre

Key Man United youngster pleased club are keeping Erik ten Hag as manager

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 19 June 2024

Key Man United youngster reacts to news of Ten Hag decision

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo says that he is looking forward to continue "building" with Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag.

Kobbie Mainoo has said that he is looking forward to continue "building" with Erik ten Hag, with the Dutchman keeping his job as Manchester United manager this summer.

Senior figures at Old Trafford, including new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, had given serious consideration to removing Ten Hag from his role this summer.

An end-of-season review started after the FA Cup final against Manchester City, which the Red Devils won 2-1 to secure major silverware and a spot in the group stage of the 2024-25 Europa League.

Man United had allegedly been keen on England head coach Gareth Southgate and are also believed to have held talks with Thomas Tuchel, who has departed Bayern Munich.

However, it has now been decided that Ten Hag will stay at Old Trafford, with a new contract for the Dutchman potentially also being placed on the table.

Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo on February 1, 2024 © Reuters

Mainoo reacts to Ten Hag news

Casemiro and Raphael Varane have allegedly been critics of Ten Hag during his time at the helm, but Mainoo has often been spoken about as one of the head coach's biggest supporters in the dressing room.

The England international had a breakthrough 2023-24 campaign at Old Trafford, making 32 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals and registering one assist in the process.

Mainoo has said that the managerial decision at club level has given him "peace of mind", with the 19-year-old looking forward to playing under Ten Hag again next season.

"I am obviously happy to keep building with him, he has won two trophies and there are more to come," Mainoo told reporters. "It is nice to have the peace of mind that we know what manager we are going back to for pre-season."

Mainoo made his competitive debut for England as a late substitute in Sunday's Euro 2024 clash with Serbia, and he is also bidding to be involved in Thursday's game against Denmark.

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo on July 22, 2023 © Reuters

Is there any chance Mainoo could leave Man United this summer?

There has recently been speculation surrounding Mainoo's future, with Barcelona believed to have made the Red Devils academy product a leading transfer target this summer.

The Catalan outfit, who have well-documented financial issues, have allegedly spoken to the midfielder's representatives to register their interest.

However, it is incredibly unlikely that Man United will let him leave, and a recent report claimed that the youngster is one of six untouchables in the first-team squad.

Mainoo has a contract at Old Trafford until June 2027, but it is likely that he will soon be handed a new deal with a significant pay rise to reflect his importance to the team.

If Man United have any ambitions of returning to former glories, then they simply have to keep hold of one of the brightest young talents in world football.