I’m glad Manchester United didn’t sack Erik ten Hag

Kobbie Mainoo has expressed his relief at entering Euro 2024 without the cloud of Erik ten Hag’s future hanging over him.

Mainoo played a big part in Ten Hag keeping his job at Manchester United after scoring the winner in the FA Cup final, with club owners INEOS reviewing the Dutchman’s position and deciding last week to keep him.

It means Mainoo will continue to work with the manager who gave him his senior debut, then put him in the first team last season, leading to England’s Euro call-up. The 19-year-old believes he can win more trophies with Ten Hag after last month’s triumph at Wembley.

“Obviously I’m happy to continue building with him, he’s won two trophies and there’s more to come. It’s nice to have the peace of mind that we know which manager we’re going back to for pre-season,” said Mainoo.

“I’m so grateful to him for putting his faith in me and believing in me to play in the team. I can’t thank him enough.”

Mainoo started the season recovering from ankle surgery, being named as a first-team player by Ten Hag, but suffered the injury in the summer during a friendly against Real Madrid when Rodrygo fell on him .

But he remained in the squad after returning in November and was quickly in the England set-up. He could now face United team-mates Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen when Gareth Southgate’s side take on Denmark in Frankfurt on Thursday.

“I learned a lot from the Danish Eriksen”

“Rasmus and I are quite young, so we’re close in the team,” Mainoo said. “I’m always around him. I haven’t spoken to him recently, but I’ll probably leave that for after the game. I’m focused on what’s going on here and maybe after the game I’ll talk to him.

“Christian, I learned a lot from him, I watched him last season and tried to take things from his game as well. And then obviously the big ride he’s been on since the last Euros has been amazing. Being able to be so close to him, he’s such a good player.

“They are both great teammates. But if I play on Thursday, I’ll put that aside, compete against them and hopefully win.”

Mainoo came off the bench in their opening Group C win against Serbia as England won 1-0. As a midfielder, he looked comfortable pushing forward or sitting back to defend, his attacking instincts coming from playing as a forward in youth football.

“Growing up I always looked up to strikers because I was a striker for most of my academy days. I love being on the ball and playing futsal, I’ve always been comfortable playing in tight areas and I love getting back on the ball,” he said.

“It was more because I was a bit frustrated playing forward. I didn’t get the ball a lot and I like my time on the ball so it was more natural to come back, play a bit of 10, then I’ve played on the wing and then more recently I’ve played in mid-centre.”

Mainoo qualified to play for Ghana through his parents but chose England instead. “It was considered but I wanted to play for England,” he said. “I am proud of my Ghanaian heritage and there has been speculation but, yes, it has always been a dream to play for England. I’m happy to be here.”

And his case to start games at the Euros was backed by Wayne Rooney, who he used to idolize as a boy.

“I always appreciate kind words from a football legend and a club I play for – it’s always amazing to get that,” he said.

“Obviously growing up a United fan, Rooney – it wasn’t just strikers, so was Ronaldinho, I used to watch him on YouTube, but it’s mostly United players.”