Erik ten Hag must decide whether or not Kobbie Mainoo will keep his place against Galatasaray (Picture: Sky Sports)
Erik ten Hag insists he has no concerns about Kobbie Mainoo’s ability to handle a hostile atmosphere and hinted he will keep his place for Manchester United’s crunch Champions League showdown against Galatasaray.
The Reds travel to Turkey with qualification for the knockout stages hanging in the balance following a shock defeat against FC Copenhagen earlier this month.
Only a win will do for Ten Hag’s side who head to Istanbul in confident mood following Sunday’s convincing 3-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park.
While Alejandro Garnacho stole the headlines for his sensational acrobatic goal, it was the maturity of the 18-year-old central midfielder that really caught the eye.
United have struggled to find balance in their engine room this season, but Mainoo showed maturity beyond his years amid a hostile atmosphere.
Kobbie Mainoo made a big impression at the heart of Manchester United’s midfield against Everton (Picture: Getty)
The temperature is likely to be equally as hot tomorrow night but Ten Hag appeared to confirm he has little hesitation throwing his youngster into a make or break contest.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference he was asked if Mainoo was ready to start and said: ‘We don’t have fear and if players are good enough they are old enough.’
United head to Turkey without the suspended Marcus Rashford and Ten Hag admits his player, Mainoo included, cannot afford to show any indiscipline.
He said: ‘You have to stay calm in your head, don’t get too emotional, don’t give them anything. Don’t give the referee as well that moment that they can take so you have to stay away from such moments but we know how to deal with it.
‘We have to be confident, make it your game. It’s important how we are playing, normal stuff and we will make a good plan.’
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Such was the level of poise Mainoo displayed against Everton, he has already been talked about as a potential wildcard member of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.
‘I think we are very pleased with the performance but it is one performance you have to do it consistently,’ Ten Hag said, sounding a note of caution. ‘Kobbie knows that, we are confident he will do that first. He has to prove you’re as good as your last game
‘Enjoy it but keep the focus on the game don’t get distracted. It’s about the game, you have to focus on your game and get the right levels in. If a player is getting distracted from it we will tell them. I see in training the levels I am not concerned in this moment Kobbie will be distracted.’
MORE : Manchester United may have to settle for a point at Galatasaray in vital Champions League clash
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