Erik ten Hag might have nominated new first-team player from Manchester United academy

Erik ten Hag described Kobbie Mainoo as 'on his way' to Manchester United's first team at a press conference last month.

The manager touted Mainoo and Garnacho as the brightest prospects from the academy, two players who'd been key in the club's successful FA Youth Cup campaign in 2021/22 and he reiterated the importance of youth development.

"Ajax was the same as Man United in developing young players, giving young players opportunities to work on their personality if they feel that they are good people and they have a good life and they can contribute in society," he said.

"But we want to develop players into the first team. So I think we are also in that perspective in a good way: Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo is also on his way. There is a pathway to the first team but they have to deserve it."

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Garnacho took the plaudits in the Youth Cup but Mainoo was quietly outstanding. His partnership with Dan Gore in midfield was key in that competition and academy staff were increasingly aware of the talent they had on their hands.

Mainoo has been considered the shining light of his age group for some time now. The 18-year-old is quiet and unassuming, but he does his talking in training and a source has described him as 'a real natural talent with high technical ability'.

Those who know him best paint a picture of a grounded, likeable young man. It's been suggested staff would be surprised if he got ahead of himself and sources have indicated he's a very calm character, who takes everything in his stride.

When Mainoo took part in his first training session with the first team, he nonchalantly told a coach 'it was alright' and that he 'did OK'. It's understood two senior