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9 months ago
46 Gareth Southgate has been cautioned by Louis Saha that Kobbie Mainoo should not be picked for the Euros at this time.
Euro 2024 takes place this summer and as Mainoo has become one of Manchester United’s most important players in recent weeks, there has been conjecture that England manager Gareth Southgate may decide to include him in the squad for the national side.
Former United striker Saha expressed his admiration for Mainoo but cautioned against underestimating the teenager’s pace of growth or the strain he is under.
He told Betfred: “It’s difficult to say who he compares to because he has his own style. I’m impressed by his composure considering how young he is. I think that kind of pressure, because a lot of people are asking for character in the midfield, especially with Casemiro now playing alongside him, he’s going to improve so much and very quickly, so it’s great for him.
“He has to take it game by game without others asking too much of him because he has to be protected. The pressure is obviously on his back and it’s good for him, but he has to keep his cool and improve his game knowledge by playing games alongside Manchester United’s biggest players.
“I’m sure Gareth Southgate is already looking at him but I think it’s too early for him to be seriously considered for the Euros as he has only played a handful of games. It doesn’t protect the young lad as sometimes things like this can damage young players and their capacity to grow and understand the game. Of course, Manchester United is a beast and it’s the best platform to jump into the national team straightaway, but it’s not that easy.
“We’ve seen what those things have done to the likes of Marcus Rashford, for example. When you are raising the roof at that age, it’s not easy to maintain that level because you have tremendous competition and pressure, so Kobbie has to take it step by step.”
Mainoo has caught the attention of the supporters and the media after his brilliant performances in the last few weeks.
His later injury-time winner against Wolves gave United crucial three points in a difficult away game.
ten Hag deserves credit for easing him into the first team and bringing the best out of the young midfielder. Not only that, the Dutch manager is responsible for the development of Alejandro Garnacho and the form of Rasmus Hojlund.
Just like during his Ajax days, ten Hag has shown how good he can be with young players and developing them.
The former Ajax manager was responsible for nurturing players like Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong during his days in the Eredivisie.

