‘Don’t compare’ – Erik ten Hag shoots down Kobbie Mainoo comparisons

Erik ten Hag has played down comparisons made between Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo and Clarence Seedorf.

The academy graduate has burst onto the scene this year and at 18-years-old he is already a mainstay in the first team. There is a sense of reliance growing on Mainoo and many fans fear to think how poor we would be in midfield without him.

As a result, Mainoo has been compared to Netherlands legend Seedorf. The Dutchman made 87 appearances for his country and won the Champions League with three different teams.

Ten Hag is trying to manage Mainoo’s expectations and doesn’t think it is fair to be making such comparisons this early in this career.

The Dutch coach said (via ManUtd.com): “So I think never compare players with another player. Never. Because Kobbie Mainoo, but also other players, they build their own identity. Don’t compare with anyone. His skill set, that is so typical. And it’s so Kobbie Mainoo, it’s nothing to do with other players.

“Of course, he can learn from other players, especially from great players as Clareace Seedorf was. But Kobbie Mainoo is Kobbie Mainoo. He has a big potential; and I’m quite sure he will have a big career.”

My advice to anyone wanting to draw comparisons is to let Mainoo be Mainoo. Let him become his own player and not a copy of something from the past.

Mainoo has a big challenge on his hands this weekend when United take on Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Subscribe to the Stretty News podcast Strettycast for weekly episodes on Manchester United. You can also sign up to the ad-free Stretty Newsletter. Get the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.