Mainoo credits Ten Hag for meteoric rise to England team

BLANKENHAIN, Germany : England's teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo said he is relieved that Erik ten Hag will be back as boss of Manchester United, and credits the manager for his place in England's Euro 2024 squad in Germany.

After months of speculation around Ten Hag's job security, United decided to retain the manager on the heels of an FA Cup victory.

"Obviously happy to be building with him, he's already got two trophies, hopefully there's more to come, and it's nice to have that peace of mind knowing what manager we're going back to," 19-year-old Mainoo told reporters on Tuesday at England's training base.

"I'm so grateful for (Ten Hag), that he showed so much trust in me and believed in me, I can't thank him enough."

Mainoo was a late substitute in England's 1-0 victory over Serbia in their European Championship opener on Saturday and is likely to feature in their Group C clash with Denmark on Thursday - a meteoric rise after less than two full seasons in United's first team.

Mainoo was scouted by United at the age of six and the club's Academy Manager, Nick Cox, said beyond his remarkable skills and composure, Mainoo simply loves the game.

"We make sure they never lose that childlike obsession with the intrinsic love of exploring the ball," Cox said in an interview on the team's website. "Kobbie has always loved the ball and been extremely comfortable with it."

Mainoo had only just stepped up to United's under-21 side in 2022 when he joined Ten Hag's squad for a winter training camp in Spain, raising eyebrows when he scored in a game against Cadiz.

Injury in the 2023 pre-season stalled his progress - if only briefly.

"(The injury) was a tough one to take ... it was just all about patience and timing really," he said. "I