Kobbie Mainoo appeared at the England national team's press conference on Tuesday. The nineteen-year-old midfielder spoke highly of Erik ten Hag, who played a crucial role in his breakthrough at Manchester United last season.
Mainoo made his debut on Saturday in the victorious match against Serbia at the Euros. A few minutes before the end, the Manchester United player came on for Jude Bellingham, who scored the only goal of the match. "Playing with him is amazing," Mainoo said about his teammate. "It's right that he's in the running for the Ballon d'Or."
Bellingham wasn't the only one to receive praise from Mainoo. Erik ten Hag, who gave the midfielder a chance at Old Trafford this season, was also highly praised. Mainoo seized this opportunity with both hands. "I am so grateful for his trust and belief in me. I can't thank him enough for that."
"I'm happy that I can work with him and that I've been able to win two trophies. Hopefully, there are more to come," continued Mainoo, who is pleased that United is continuing with the Dutch manager. "It gives us peace of mind to know who our manager is when we return."
Mainoo's rapid rise through the ranks at Manchester United has been one of the standout stories of the season. The 19-year-old midfielder impressed with his maturity and technical ability, which earned him significant playing time under Ten Hag. His performances have not only solidified his place in the team but also garnered attention on the international stage.
As Mainoo reflects on his debut for England, he acknowledges the influence of his club experiences on his development. "Playing at Old Trafford under Ten Hag has been instrumental in my growth as a player. His coaching style and the trust he places in young players have allowed me to develop my skills and confidence."
The atmosphere at United has been one of optimism and determination, especially after securing two trophies this season. Mainoo attributes much of this success to Ten Hag's leadership. "His tactical knowledge and ability to motivate the team have been crucial. Winning trophies with United is a dream come true, and I believe we can achieve even more under his guidance."
Mainoo's gratitude towards Ten Hag is evident as he discusses the manager's impact. "Knowing that Ten Hag will continue with us provides a sense of stability. It's reassuring to have a manager who believes in you and helps you grow both on and off the pitch."
Looking ahead, Mainoo is excited about England's prospects in the Euros. The young midfielder is eager to make his mark and contribute to the team's success. "We have a great squad, and I believe we can go far in this tournament. The match against Denmark is crucial, and we are fully focused on getting a positive result."
The upcoming match at Deutsche Bank Park against Denmark, who drew their first game against Slovenia, presents another opportunity for Mainoo and his teammates to showcase their talents. The stadium, home to Eintracht Frankfurt, will be the stage for what promises to be an exciting encounter.
Mainoo's journey from Manchester United's youth academy to representing his country at the Euros is a testament to his hard work and dedication. As he continues to develop under the watchful eye of Ten Hag, both club and country can look forward to many more memorable performances from this promising young talent.
