‘Not up to me’ - Erik ten Hag sends Kobbie Mainoo Man United future message as rivals eye star

Erik ten Hag has challenged Kobbie Mainoo to continue elevating his performance levels after a breakthrough year in the Manchester United first-team.

The 18-year-old has started the last 10 Premier League matches, just 13 months on from making his debut in January 2023. Has has now tallied 20 senior appearances for United and his displays have stoked talk of an England call-up for this month’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

Ten Hag has refrained from sending a message to Gareth Southgate about such a decision. However, he says six-cap Under-19 England star Mainoo has vast potential and he feels responsible for ensuring that it is and fulfilled.

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Asked about whether the teenager should receive an England call-up, Ten Hag told BBC Sport: “It’s not up to me. The England manager, Gareth Southgate, knows very well what he wants and it’s up to him.

“All the things that I can see, and what I saw, is that high potential. Every time, he’s going to high levels. Every training, every game, he’s playing at higher levels. So he has a high potential but it’s up to him to keep the process going and I have to manage this.”

The Ghanaian FA has also made it clear that it is considering an approach with the player eligible to play for the nation. Playing in a non-competitive match does not prohibit a later transition so a switch to Ghana could still be made even if he does feature for England this month.

Mainoo is one three young first-team regulars with 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho and 21-year-old Rasmus Hojlund also impressing. Top scorer Hojlund is