30 June 2024 , 11:58
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Kobbie Mainoo has shown his true colours by heaping praise on Erik ten Hag despite having a major disagreement with the Manchester United boss.
Mainoo, 19, was inarguably the shining light in an otherwise gloomy campaign for the Red Devils last season and is set to be handed a primary role in England's side, with Gareth Southgate expected to name him in his starting XI against Slovakia this evening.
The young midfielder first caught the eye last summer after sparkling during United's pre-season tour. He was quickly earmarked for a place in the senior side, only for an ill-timed ankle injury to leave him sidelined for the first few months of the season.
When he returned to fitness in October, Ten Hag, who is on the verge of signing a new contract at Old Trafford, initially left Mainoo in the U21s squad, much to the youngster's dismay. But speaking to ITV Sport, England's Euro 2024 star Mainoo showed maturity beyond his years by admitting that in hindsight it was "the best thing" for him.
"I felt ready," he said. "Coming back from the injury, the manager wanted me to play a lot of U21s games, which I understood, but it was also frustrating because I felt like I was ready to make the step up [to the first team].
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"But when I look back on it now it was the best thing for me, and it made me the most ready I could have been for my first opportunity."
Mainoo's patience paid off, and he made his senior debut in a 3-0 win over Everton in November. He quickly established himself as a mainstay in Ten Hag's midfield, and after sitting out two matches in December Mainoo started all but one of United's remaining 28 games in all competitions.
When asked to sum up the last eight months of his career, which included scoring the winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City and getting called up to England's Euro 2024 squad, Mainoo said: "It's been unbelievable... I think I've worked hard this season. I never would have thought I'd be [at the Euros], but I always backed myself."
Just like with his initial Man United career, Mainoo had to settle for a place on the sidelines at the start of the Euros, but after a bright cameo against Slovenia on Tuesday, fans have been urging Southgate to pick Mainoo from the off, and reports indicate he's going to.
Time will tell whether he'll do for England what he did at club level and nail down a starting spot in the team. But one thing's for sure, Mainoo will back himself to the hilt to do so.
"Whenever I get a chance to play I give it 100% every time. That's what my parents have always said to me, when you get your chance you have to grab it with both hands. [Playing for England] is feeling better and better every time, so I think it'll only get better from here."
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