It has been two weeks since Erik ten Hag, the Manchester United manager, called for patience from fans in England regarding the development of young Kobbie Mainoo following the FA Cup final. Mainoo, who emerged as one of Manchester United’s standout performers last season, made a significant impact by scoring a goal at Wembley on May 25, which played a crucial role in securing a surprising victory over Manchester City for ten Hag’s side.
Following Mainoo’s remarkable performance, Erik ten Hag faced questions from former Newcastle striker and current BBC pundit Alan Shearer about the young player’s potential. Ten Hag responded thoughtfully, “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 stressed the importance of managing expectations and allowing Mainoo to grow without undue pressure.
Ten Hag further elaborated on the challenges faced by young players, using Mainoo as an example. “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.” This statement highlighted the unpredictability and setbacks that can affect the trajectory of a young athlete’s career.
Since those comments, Mainoo’s progress has been recognized on a larger stage, as he was included in England’s final 26-man squad for Euro 2024. The 18-year-old midfielder was given his second start on Friday ahead of England’s group stage opener against Serbia on June 16. After the match at Wembley, which saw England slip to a 1-0 defeat to Iceland, England manager Gareth Southgate praised Mainoo, saying, “We wouldn’t hesitate to start him. He’s shown incredible maturity and progresses the ball forward quickly. He had two fabulous appearances here in March.”
Despite Southgate’s positive remarks, Mainoo’s performance on Friday drew mixed reactions. Some critics focused on England’s loss and pointed fingers at the young midfielder, while others defended him, emphasizing his youth and potential. One fan urged patience, writing, “Please leave Kobbie Mainoo alone. He is a work in progress like every other 19-year-old. One game not so good is something we have to accept for any player. He will be massive for both England and Manchester United over the next 15 years.”
Another supporter highlighted a recurring pattern in English media, commenting, “The media criticism of Mainoo is odd but expected. We have a boring and predictable habit of building someone up and then cutting them down. Thankfully, everyone sees it for what it is: nonsense.” This sentiment was echoed by others who noted the need to protect young talents from undue pressure. “Erik ten Hag was spot on about the English media. Kobbie Mainoo must be protected,” one fan said, while another pointed out, “Mainoo being one of England’s better players again in an overall bad performance from the team going unnoticed is crazy.”
The debate over Mainoo’s performance highlights the broader issue of managing young talent in professional sports. On one hand, it is natural for fans and critics to scrutinize performances, especially after a disappointing team result. However, it is crucial to remember that Mainoo is still at the beginning of his career, and such experiences are part of his development. His inclusion in the Euro 2024 squad and Southgate’s willingness to start him are testaments to his potential and the faith the coaching staff has in his abilities.
Mainoo’s ability to progress the ball forward and his composure on the field are attributes that bode well for his future. As Erik ten Hag advised, it is important to remain calm and patient, giving Mainoo the time and space he needs to grow into his role. Overreacting to a single performance, especially when the entire team underperformed, is unfair and could hinder his development.
In conclusion, while Mainoo’s performance against Iceland may not have been stellar, it is essential to consider his age and potential. Constructive support and patience from fans and pundits will be crucial for his long-term success with both England and Manchester United. The football community should focus on fostering an environment that allows young players like Mainoo to flourish without the burden of premature and excessive expectations.