I won’t won’t allow them to kill my players confidence anymore. After two years at the club, I finally found out the problem with player who joined this club and saw their career die out. I won’t allow that to happen to Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho”-Erik ten Hag’s Breaks silence after his comments about Kobbie Mainoo goes viral after what happened at the International Friendlies
It’s been two weeks since Erik ten Hag urged fans in England to “keep calm” and allow Kobbie Mainoo to develop at his own pace following the FA Cup final. Mainoo, one of Manchester United’s standout performers last season, scored at Wembley on May 25, helping Erik ten Hag’s side secure a surprising victory over Manchester City.
After the impressive display from the Stockport-born teenager, ten Hag was asked about his potential by former Newcastle striker and BBC pundit Alan Shearer. Ten Hag responded, “I think we have to keep it calm. You are very good here in England at pushing players and managers very high, and then you hammer them after one or two bad performances. I think we need to keep it very calm.”
He added, “He was magnificent. It was really enjoyable to watch Kobbie at his age. But he’s also an example of the problems we face. We wanted to play him in the second game of the season, but then he got a bad injury. It took a long time for him to come back.”
Kobbie Mainoo’s performance on Friday has certainly sparked a range of opinions. On one hand, some criticism is expected given England’s 1-0 defeat to Iceland, but it’s crucial to consider the broader context. Mainoo is still very young and developing, and his inclusion in the squad for Euro 2024 itself speaks volumes about his potential and the trust Gareth Southgate has in him.
His ability to progress the ball forward and his maturity on the field, as highlighted by Southgate, are promising signs. It’s not uncommon for young players to have inconsistent performances as they adjust to the pressures of international football. Criticism at this stage can be counterproductive, and it’s important for fans and pundits alike to support his development rather than focus solely on one subpar performance.
Erik ten Hag’s advice to “keep it calm” is pertinent here. Mainoo has shown he has the talent and composure to succeed at a high level, but he needs time and patience to grow into his role. Overemphasizing one match, especially when the entire team underperformed, is unfair and potentially damaging.
In summary, while Mainoo may not have had the standout performance some hoped for on Friday, it’s essential to remember his age and potential. Constructive support and patience will be key to his long-term success for both England and Manchester United.
