Kobbie Mainoo's rise is proof Erik ten Hag is fulfilling a key pledge he made to Manchester United

Manchester United are famed for their policy of giving youth team players their chance to show what they can do in the senior environment and one of the latest products off the production line is proof of just that.

Kobbie Mainoo won United's famed Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year Award last season. Previous recipients such as Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Danny Welbeck, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho show the rich history and calibre of players to have secured the accolade.

The 18-year-old was first picked by Erik ten Hag in a United first-team squad last season. He was named on the bench in December for the goalless draw at Old Trafford against Newcastle United in the Premier League.

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It was not a mere token gesture - it was something that Mainoo had deserved because he had earned the opportunity. Ten Hag made that crystal clear when asked about the midfielder's squad inclusion at the time.

He said: "It's not experience it's about, they have to deliver. You are here to contribute to the team, to the team's success, and that is why he is here."

Mainoo followed up that squad appearance with three times actually getting out onto the pitch for Ten Hag's side. This included his competitive debut with his first start for the club in the EFL Cup victory over Charlton Athletic.

Stockport-born Mainoo is part of Ten Hag's squad in pre-season for United. He started alongside Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes in the club's most recent friendly against Arsenal.

Coming to United from Ajax, Ten Hag