Erik ten Hag praises Kobbie Mainoo for her mature performance at her England debut, saying, “We are not surprised.”

Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, is certain that Kobbie Mainoo can handle the attention that comes with being named a rising star for both the team and the nation.

In Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Belgium, the 18-year-old earned man-of-the-match on his maiden England start, solidifying his place in Gareth Southgate’s team for the 2024 European Championship.

This season, Mainoo has also been a rare bright spot for United, establishing himself as an important cog in Ten Hag’s midfield after earning his first Premier League start in November.

Regarding Mainoo’s international debut, Ten Hag said on Friday, “I thought it was very good, but we are not surprised.” We have seen his abilities, including his lightning-fast adaptation to demanding situations. It seems very authentic.

We are naturally a little proud of him as well as thrilled for him. Very proud, I would say.

“It’s fantastic for Manchester United’s academy that they raise a youngster that plays so young for the national team. That speaks well of the whole club.

United’s season has been preserved with an exciting 4-3 victory against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarterfinals before the international break.

After being drawn against Coventry, a lower division team, in the last four, the Red Devils are now heavy favorites to make it to the championship game for the second year in a row.

United is also pursuing Tottenham and Aston Villa in an attempt to make it into the Champions League the following year.

With a game remaining, Ten Hag’s team is nine points behind Villa in fourth place and six behind Tottenham.

A spot in the Champions League would be assured by finishing in the top four, but if English teams do well in the European tournaments towards the end of the season, fifth place would be suffice.

Ten Hag’s challenging second season has been mostly down to injuries, but United may benefit from Lisandro Martinez’s return as center defense when they face Brentford on Saturday.

The World Cup champion from Argentina has only played in 10 games this season because of severe knee and foot problems.

Ten Hag said, “We missed him every game because he brings composure and calmness to the team.”

Additionally, he “brings” a winning mindset and is extremely good at communicating it. He can bring something to the squad, which raises our game significantly.