Erik ten Hag's daring Man Utd prediction comes true to solve transfer headache
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag may have raised some eyebrows following their first game of the season when he suggested 18-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was "ready" to make an immediate impact when he returned from injury.
At the time Mainoo had only made Premier League appearance, a brief cameo off the bench in a 3-0 win over Leicester, but he had stood out in pre-season with a particularly impressive display against Arsenal.
However, the teenager was unable to immediately build on the performance as he picked up an ankle injury just five days later after being entrusted to start against a strong Real Madrid side boasting a midfield of Luka Modric, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham.
The injury ruled Mainoo out for the first three months of the season as United struggled to find the right balance in midfield. And following criticism of Casemiro's partnership with Mason Mount in their opening league game against Wolves and suggestions United needed to sign another midfielder, Ten Hag insisted Mainoo could fill the void.
"I know, in this moment, he's not there, but Kobbie Mainoo, we have seen him against Arsenal [in pre-season], he is ready to also to pick that role," he said. "At this moment, he's not available but I think he will also, in say one, two months.
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"Not in one month, but in two months, he will be available. And so, for the winter [that] is coming up, he absolutely will have his games." The youngster made the bench for United's 3-0 defeat to rivals Manchester City in October and was an unused substitute in two more games before getting his opportunity against Everton in November.
Mainoo started alongside Scott McTominay as United picked up a crucial 3-0 win and earned major plaudits for his display. United captain Bruno Fernandes said after the game that he was a "special player", while Red Devils legend Roy Keane called his performance "outstanding".
Kobbie Mainoo has impressed for Manchester United this season (BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)And Mainoo has built on that excellent start, featuring regularly for United ever since and cementing himself as an important member of the first-team. "I watched him last season in the EFL Trophy against Fleetwood and he was unbelievable," former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam told BBC Radio Five Live after Mainoo impressed in United's 3-2 win over Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
"I understand it's against League One, but he was ran the game. You could see his personality and you need personality when you play for Manchester United. The trust he has within the first team group... they know he's going to be a top player.
"Erik ten Hag knows he's got a top player on his hands, it's now just when he can bring him in and pull him out because at some point you'll have a dip. For a young player playing for Manchester United in a team that's had a tough time just shows his attitude and mentality. If he's at Manchester United for the next five to ten years then he will grow each season."
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