Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo has expressed delight following the closure of speculation over the future of manager Erik ten Hag – who gave him a maiden opportunity with the first-team.
The 19-year-old had a brilliant season with United, most notably scoring in the FA Cup final victory against league champions Manchester City.
Mainoo’s exploits and performances with the Red Devils in the 2023-24 campaign also earned him an invite to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2024 European Championship.
However, after winning a second trophy in two campaigns, Ten Hag’s future was still carrying big question marks after an eighth placed finish in the Premier League.
All doubts have now been laid to rest after the Dutchman confirmed he will remain at the club next season with a contract extension in view.
“Happy to be building with him, he’s already got two trophies and hopefully there is more to come,” Mainoo said to reporters at England’s training camp.
“It’s nice to have that piece of mind. We know what manager we are going back to.
“He put so much trust in me and belief in me. I can’t thank him enough.”
Mainoo came on as a substitute late on in England’s 1-0 win over Serbia on Sunday to make his competitive debut for the Three Lions.
England’s next clash is against Denmark in Frankfurt on Thursday and Mainoo is relishing facing two of his Manchester United team-mates, Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen.
The latter netted in the Danes’ 1-1 draw with Slovenia in their opener, three years on from suffering a cardiac arrest while on the field during Euro 2020.
“Me and Ramsus are both young and we are quite close,” Mainoo continued.
“Christian, I’ve learned a lot from him. The journey he’s been on since the last Euros has been amazing. If I am to play on Thursday I’ll need to put all that aside.”
