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Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has opened up about the club’s decision to stick with Erik ten Hague rather than make a managerial change.
For weeks, as United carried out an end-of-season review, Ten Haag’s future at Old Trafford hung in the balance.
The Dutchman appeared ready to part ways with the Red Devils at one point, especially given that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have been in contact with representatives of some of his potential replacements including Kieran McKenna, Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi, Mauricio Pochettina, Thomas Frank and Marco Silva.
In the end, the United chiefs decided to continue with Ten Haag, partly due to the fact that there was no high-profile candidate, but also due to a number of mitigating factors that did not help him last season, such as injuries.
Ten Haag recently gave his verdict on United’s search for his successor and claimed he had been told by the top brass that he was still the right man for the job.
Ahead of England’s Euro 2024 clash against Denmark, Mainoo spoke to the media and said Ten Haag will remain in the dugout.
Mainoo, who made his international debut when he came on as a substitute in the 1-0 win against Serbia, said: “I’m happy to build with him. He has two trophies and hopefully more to come.”
“It’s reassuring to know what kind of manager we’ll have when we come back. I am very grateful to him – he gave me a lot of confidence to play in the team. I can’t thank him enough.”
Mainoo revealed he is looking forward to the prospect of facing United team-mates Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund when the Three Lions face Denmark on Thursday.
“Both are great teammates for me. Rasmus is young, like me, so I’m always with him. I try to learn and pick up from Christian. If I’m going to play on Thursday, I’ll have to put that aside, compete against him and hopefully win.”
“I haven’t spoken to Rasmus recently, but I’ll leave that for after the game. I am focused on this and maybe, after the game, I will talk to him. I haven’t played against him before, but he’s a really good friend.”
“I’m ready to play, whether I’m off the bench or starting. Obviously, there are other great midfielders in the team in the Premier League or abroad like Jude (Bellingham). I try to train hard and be ready when called upon.”
Mainoo admitted that he considered representing Ghana, but in the end, although he is proud of his African heritage, his dream of playing for England ultimately prevailed and swayed his decision.
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