Erik ten Hag given major boost as “next Paul Pogba” steals the show on Man Utd return
Manchester United’s promising young midfielder, Kobbie Mainoo, who has drawn comparisons to Paul Pogba, marked a successful comeback from injury while playing for the club’s Under-21 team in the EFL Trophy.
Mainoo, an 18-year-old talent, had caught the eye during pre-season and was considered a contender for Erik ten Hag‘s first-team plans until he suffered an ankle injury in a match against Real Madrid just before the start of the new Premier League season.
After several months on the sidelines, Mainoo resumed training in early October and made an impressive return to action in the EFL Trophy match against Salford City, a League Two team. During that game, he provided two assists in a thrilling 4-3 encounter.
Mainoo debut with Manchester United
Mainoo had previously made his senior debut under Ten Hag’s management in a Carabao Cup victory against Charlton last season, and he is highly regarded as one of Manchester United’s most exciting young prospects.
His potential was even likened to that of Paul Pogba by Anthony Elanga, a former academy graduate who left the club for Nottingham Forest during the summer transfer window.
Elanga expressed his belief that Mainoo possesses extraordinary talent and likened his playing style to Pogba’s versatility and skills both on and off the ball.
Ten Hag, the Manchester United manager, has confirmed that Mainoo will have opportunities with the first team, stating that he is close to being ready for senior action.
Ten Hag mentioned that Mainoo is already training with the first-team squad and is expected to receive some playing time in the near future to regain match fitness and sharpness.
While it’s unlikely that Mainoo will feature in the Carabao Cup match against Newcastle on Wednesday night, he may be included in the squad for the weekend fixture against Fulham in London, providing a glimpse of his progression and potential impact on the senior team.
