Kobbie Mainoo has fulfilled Erik ten Hag's first task on path to Manchester United first-team

Kobbie Mainoo saw an incredible two months capped off with confirmation he will be part of Erik ten Hag's first-team plans next season.

The Manchester Evening News understands that Mainoo has been informed of his place in Ten Hag's side for the upcoming campaign, with the Dutchman keen to keep him around rather than send him out on loan. The 18-year-old is seen as the most promising talents of recent years and has long been tipped to make the step up.

Loan offers were on the table, but a couple of strong performances pre-season friendlies against Leeds and Lyon have only strengthened the consensus that the teenager is primed for a first-team place. It caps off a brilliant spell for Mainoo, which began when he was named Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year for 2022/2023.

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He and Reserve Team Player of the Year Dan Gore were presented with their awards after United thumped Chelsea 4-1 at Old Trafford in May. Speaking before the final game of the season against Fulham, Ten Hag highlighted the pathway for young stars and outlined his 'hope' for their development.

"Yeah they did well [in first-team training]," the Dutchman said in his pre-match Q&A. "They deserved it and that is always what has to be the case.

"Like Alejandro Garnacho, [who won the Jimmy Murphy award] last season, you see the path is open but they have to deserve their position. I hope this trophy will motivate them and stimulate them to bring more because that is necessary if you want to get a place in the first team, the first squad, of this club."

It was a clear message