Home Football ‘If you are good enough, you are old enough’: Erik ten Hag confirms Kobbie Mainoo is fit to play Galatasaray

‘If you are good enough, you are old enough’: Erik ten Hag confirms Kobbie Mainoo is fit to play Galatasaray

Football — 11/29/2023

Kobbie Mainoo is prepared to take on Galatasaray in Wednesday’s Champions League group stage match at Rams Park, according to Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.

Man Utd arguably have an academy talent with a higher ceiling than Kobbie Mainoo

Over the weekend, the Red Devils defeated Everton 3-0 in the Premier League. This season’s first league victory by a margin of more than one goal came from them.

In the same match, Mainoo received his entire Premier League debut for the team. Among the best was the young player, who made an important goal-line clearing.

When asked if Mainoo might start over during today’s press conference, Ten Hag gave a positive response, stating (via Manutd.com):

“If they are good enough, they are old enough. We are very pleased with the performance [at Everton], but it’s one performance and you have to do it on a consistent base.”

“Kobbie is so mature, [but] you are only good as your last game. Keep your focus on the game. You have to focus on your game, your performance and get the right levels in.

“When we observe, if a player is moving away from football and getting distracted, we will tell them.”

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Mainoo set to start in holding midfield vs Galatasaray

The young player’s preseason with United got off to a fantastic start. In the 2-0 victory against Arsenal, he was outstanding. In addition to winning all of his duels, he made one assist and had a 95% passing accuracy.

Mainoo was rewarded with another start against Real Madrid, but the push from Casemiro on Rodrygo caused him to suffer an odd knee injury, ending his game after just two minutes.

The United graduate was thus sidelined for months, but he has since made a comeback in time for the holiday schedule. Last Saturday, Mainoo put on an outstanding performance against the Toffees.

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In addition to winning five duels, he made an impact in the box by clearing the goal line and blocking one shot. He deserves to start in the next game at Istanbul, in our opinion.

Mainoo must remain focused on his upcoming task, as Ten Hag stated. He has a strong potential of becoming a reliable defensive midfielder if he can put on another impressive display.