Kobbie Mainoo has opened up on his relationship with former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
Kobbie Mainoo made his debut for Manchester United during the 2022/23 season under Erik ten Hag, and then went on to become a mainstay in the Dutchman's midfield next to Casemiro.
When Ten Hag was sacked and replaced by Ruben Amorim, Mainoo's game time was drastically reduced, with the Portuguese head coach preferring to play a midfield pivot of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.
The lack of game time led Mainoo to request a loan move away from Old Trafford, and Napoli in particular took a very keen interest in the Carrington academy graduate.
That transfer didn't go through, though, and since the arrival of Michael Carrick, Mainoo has once again become a crucial player for United.
Mainoo recently signed a new contract at Old Trafford until 2031, and is now pushing to secure a spot in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad.
Mainoo opens up on relationship with Ten Hag
In an interview with Sky Sports, Mainoo has opened up about his relationship with Ten Hag, the manager who handed him his United debut.
“I mean he started my professional career,” Mainoo said.
“He gave me the chance and have me the push to be the player I am.
“Because if he doesn’t put me on the pitch, I don’t play, you know, he’s the boss. So, yeah, I’m just grateful for his trust and belief in me.”
How do United get the best out of Mainoo?
Mainoo is best as a no.8. He excels at dropping deep, receiving the ball on the half-turn from defenders and carrying forward.
He is excellent at keeping the ball under pressure and finding progressive solutions.
With Casemiro set to leave, United will be losing quite a few goals from midfield. The Brazilian has scored 26 goals for United during his time at Old Trafford, including nine this season.
Mainoo has shown on multiple occasions now that he is capable of finding the back of the net when given license to get forward.
His finishing, particularly from around the left-half space, is world-class, and Carrick will be keen to get him into those areas more often.
In terms of a midfield partner, United need someone who can do the majority of the defensive work and sit deeper in order to allow Mainoo to push forward.
One of Mainoo's weaknesses is the fact that his passing range isn't the best, and it is therefore important that his partner has a good passing range.
United are said to be keen on Aurélien Tchouaméni, and while any potential transfer will not be straightforward, he'd be an ideal partner for Mainoo.