How Erik ten Hag is preparing Kobbie Mainoo to be a Manchester United regular

Nick Cox, Manchester United's head of academy, has revealed his delight at Kobbie Mainoo earning his first Premier League appearance and has unpacked how Erik ten Hag is shaping him for possible future inclusion.

The Stockport-born 17-year-old came on for the final 10 minutes of Sunday’s 3-0 win over Leicester, replacing January loanee Marcel Sabitzer. Mainoo completed seven of his eight passes in what was his third outing for the first team.

Mainoo was granted his full senior debut in January’s 3-0 win over Charlton in the League Cup quarter-final before coming on in the second half of United’s 3-1 FA Cup win over Reading later that month.

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Mainoo penned a new long-term deal at the club 11 days ago and has made the cut for 12 first-team squads this season, including in matches against Barcelona, Manchester City and Arsenal.

Academy lead Cox detailed his pride in the teenager making his Premier League debut, explaining how Ten Hag only offers such opportunities to those who earn their place. “[We are] always delighted when a young boy makes a debut, particularly when they start a game,” Cox told in-house media.

“It’s very different coming off the bench than starting a game, so he’s had to earn that [against Charlton]. The manager doesn’t do favours. You play in the team if you’re good enough.

“You don’t get special treatment because you’re a young lad who’s come through the system, you’ve got to earn it. He’s done that and that’s great.”

Cox outlined how there is still a bit to do before Mainoo can be considered a regular in the first-team squad but that the early signs are promising after the hard work he’s put in. He pinpointed how Ten Hag is nurturing the