“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 players 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.

Two weeks have passed since Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag urged fans to be patient with young player Kobbie Mainoo following the FA Cup final. Mainoo, who stood out last season, made a memorable impact by scoring a crucial goal at Wembley on May 25, helping secure a surprising victory over Manchester City.

In response to questions from former Newcastle striker and BBC pundit Alan Shearer about Mainoo’s potential, ten Hag emphasized the need for calm. He remarked, “We need to keep it very calm. Here in England, you are very good at elevating players and managers, only to heavily criticize them after a few poor performances.” He underscored the importance of managing expectations and allowing Mainoo to develop without undue pressure.

Ten Hag further discussed the challenges young players face, citing Mainoo’s experiences. “He was fantastic. Watching Kobbie at his age was a joy. But he also illustrates the issues we encounter. We intended to play him in the second game of the season, but a serious injury sidelined him for a long time.” This highlighted the unpredictability and setbacks young athletes often face.

Since then, Mainoo’s progress has been recognized more broadly, as he was selected for England’s final 26-man squad for Euro 2024. The 18-year-old midfielder started his second game on Friday ahead of England’s group stage opener against Serbia on June 16. Following England’s 1-0 defeat to Iceland at Wembley, manager Gareth Southgate praised Mainoo, stating, “We wouldn’t hesitate to start him. He’s shown incredible maturity and moves the ball forward quickly. His performances in March were outstanding.”

Despite Southgate’s praise, Mainoo’s Friday performance received mixed reactions. Critics focused on England’s loss and some blamed the young midfielder, while others defended him, highlighting his youth and potential. One fan called for patience, stating, “Please leave Kobbie Mainoo alone. He is a work in progress like any 19-year-old. One subpar game is normal. He will be significant for both England and Manchester United over the next 15 years.”

Another supporter noted the English media’s tendency to build up and then tear down players, commenting, “The media criticism of Mainoo is predictable. We have a habit of hyping someone up and then criticizing them harshly. Thankfully, many recognize this pattern as nonsense.” Others echoed the need to shield young talents from undue pressure. “Erik ten Hag was right about the English media. Kobbie Mainoo needs protection,” one fan stated, while another remarked, “Mainoo being one of England’s better players in a poor team performance being overlooked is absurd.”

The discussion about Mainoo’s performance underscores the broader issue of managing young talent in sports. While scrutiny is natural, especially after a disappointing team result, it is essential to remember that Mainoo is still early in his career, and these experiences are part of his growth. His inclusion in the Euro 2024 squad and Southgate’s confidence in starting him reflect his potential and the coaching staff’s trust in his abilities.

Mainoo’s skill in advancing the ball and his composure on the field are promising signs for his future. As ten Hag advised, it is crucial to remain calm and patient, giving Mainoo the space he needs to grow. Overreacting to a single performance, particularly when the entire team underperformed, is unfair and could hinder his development.

In conclusion, while Mainoo’s performance against Iceland may not have been outstanding, his age and potential must be considered. Constructive support and patience from fans and pundits are vital for his long-term success with both England and Manchester United. The football community should focus on creating an environment that allows young players like Mainoo to thrive without the weight of premature and excessive expectations.