Mainoo keen to keep building under Ten Hag

Tuesday 18 June 2024 15:44

Kobbie Mainoo has expressed his gratitude to Erik ten Hag as he looks forward to playing for the Manchester United manager again next season.

The teenager is currently on England duty at Euro 2024 and, after making his tournament debut as a substitute in the 1-0 win over Serbia on Sunday night, he faced the media in a press conference ahead of Thursday's second Group C game with Denmark.

Inevitably, there were questions about United, despite his main focus being on representing the Three Lions at the moment, and our Academy graduate suggested he is already eagerly anticipating a second season at senior level. Following the release of the Premier League fixtures, with the Reds kicking things off against Fulham on Friday 16 August, excitement is already mounting in this respect.

"I'm happy to be building with him," Mainoo said of Ten Hag. "He's got two trophies and, hopefully, there are more to come.

"It's peace of mind knowing what manager we will have when we return. I'm so grateful to him - he put so much trust in me to play in the team. I can't thank him enough."

Revealed: United's 24/25 Premier League fixtures

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Erik ten Hag's Reds will begin and end the new league campaign at Old Trafford.

England sit top of the standings ahead of the clash with the Danes, which presents an opportunity for Mainoo to catch up with Reds pals Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund.

Eriksen, of course, scored Denmark's goal in their 1-1 draw with Slovenia, and it would be an interesting battle in the midfield if Kobbie gets the nod from Gareth Southgate to start in Frankfurt.

"They're both great team-mates to me," said the 19-year-old. "Rasmus is young, like me, so I am always around him. I am trying to learn and pick up from Christian. If I'm to play on Thursday, I'll have to put that to the side, compete against him, and hopefully get the win.

"I've not spoken to Rasmus recently but I'll leave that for after the game. I'm focused on here and maybe, after the game, I'll speak to him. I haven't played against him before but he's a really good friend.

"I'm ready to play, whether that's off the bench or starting. Obviously, there are other great midfielders in the squad in the Premier League or abroad like Jude [Bellingham]. I'm trying to train hard and be ready when I'm called upon."

The 2024 Emirates FA Cup final goal hero also admitted he did consider representing Ghana but was always keen to pull on the Three Lions jersey.

"I'm proud of my Ghanaian heritage but it has always been a dream to play for England," he said. "I'm happy to be here.

"I considered it but I want to play for England."

WHEN ARE UNITED NEXT IN ACTION?

The Reds will return to the pitch on 15 July, when we face Rosenborg in Trondheim for our first pre-season game. Following a friendly against Rangers at Murrayfield, Edinburgh on 20 July, we'll fly out to the United States for Tour 2024, comprising three clashes with Arsenal (Los Angeles, 27 July), Real Betis (San Diego, 31 July) and Liverpool (Columbia, 3 August).

You can buy tickets for all of our pre-season games here, subject to availability.

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