Kobbie Mainoo is set to be included in Erik ten Hag’s plans going into the 2023/24 season.
The youngster has featured in both games thus far in Manchester United‘s pre-season tour and has now been included in the squad that will be travelling to America to face some much tougher opponents.
The 18-year-old has been mightily impressive when he’s featured. He certainly doesn’t look out of his depth playing in and amongst the first-team squad.
This is why reports are now flying out that Erik ten Hag wants to integrate him into the Manchester United first-team set-up next year, with the teenager looking firmly part of the Dutchman’s plans.
Kobbie Mainoo to be part of the first-team squad next season
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United will not be sending Mainoo out on loan next season. Instead, he will be part of ten Hag’s plans.
The young man has shown glimpses of absolute brilliance already and will probably continue to shine as the Red Devils take to the States.
A midfield spot is potentially a place that someone could break into. We obviously bought Mason Mount from Chelsea this summer, but many believed that another midfield signing was necessary.
This may not be the case with Mainoo coming through. We also have the ever-talented Tunisian in Hannibal Mejbri who has looked equally impressive on tour.
We think these will be the two emerging midfield prospects in the next couple of seasons. The same can’t be said for Zidane Iqbal and Charlie Savage, with Iqbal already having left and Savage heavily rumoured to be going on a permanent elsewhere.
Two other departing midfielders could certainly be Fred and Donny van de Beek. The duo both featured yesterday against Lyon, with Donny grabbing the goal.
However, the pair are heavily linked with a move away, which leaves room for Hannibal and Mainoo to make the step up.