Erik ten Hag says Kobbie Mainoo deserved to play after teenager makes first Man United start
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag claimed Kobbie Mainoo was deserving of the opportunity after the 17-year-old midfielder was handed his first senior start against Charlton.
Mainoo was one of eight changes made by Ten Hag for the Carabao Cup quarter-final against their League One opponents.
Ten Hag said the teenager had impressed in United’s winter training camp during the World Cup break, which led to him being given the opportunity.
‘The most important thing is to win this game and get into the next round,’ Ten Hag told MUTV.
‘We want to get into the semi-finals, so it’s a big game.
‘For him (Mainoo) it’s a great opportunity, he did very well during the winter camp in Spain. He also did very well against Everton in a friendly.
‘He deserved to play, so I’m happy to give him the opportunity – it’s about deserving it.’
