Erik ten Hag isn’t worried about hurling Kobbie Mainoo into the ferocious celebration that Manchester United will encounter in Turkey on Wednesday, when we take on Galatasaray in a crucial Champions League encounter.

On his first Premier League start, the teenage midfielder was among United’s most impressive players during the team’s 3-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park this past weekend.

Given the Toffees’ annoyance at the 10-point punishment imposed by the Premier League, that journey to Merseyside was touted as difficult on its own. However, it is anticipated that the game in Istanbul will be more hotter.

Speaking at the pre-game press conference, Ten Hag, however, commended Mainoo for his early maturity and said that, following a strong start to his senior career, his only concern was that the young player maintain focus and discipline.

“If they are good enough, they are old enough,” deadpanned Erik, when asked about whether Kobbie might start again at the Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi, also known as Rams Park.

“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.”

The Academy graduate from Stockport, who turned 18 in April, hasn’t played 90 minutes in a senior match yet, but his calm play in Sunday’s victory earned him the title of Man of the Match. Mainoo might also be set to start in Europe considering the injuries sustained by his more experienced midfield teammates Christian Eriksen and Casemiro.

Before their match against Galatasaray, United is at bottom of Champions League Group A. However, a victory might move the Reds up to second position in the event that FC Copenhagen loses to Bayern Munich in Germany.