The hugely talented midfielder of Ghanaian origin has lavished praise on the Dutch tactician for playing an instrumental role in his breakthrough at the Old Trafford outfit.
Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo has opened up about how Erik Ten Hag's demands have helped him transform into a player with immense potential.
The 18-year-old has been a revelation for the Reds since earning promotion from the club's U21 side and making his full debut against Everton after sustaining an injury during the pre-season exercise in the USA.
Ten Hag admired Mainoo's potential during his days at the Manchester United U21 team during his first season in charge and quickly integrated him into first-team training, with a very specific set of demands on the budding talented midfielder.
As reported by several EPL news outlets prior to the start of the season, Erik Ten Hag described the Stockport-born sensation as a key member of his team at Manchester United, and upon his return from the treatment room, Mainoo has established himself as a regular starter.
“He [Erik Ten Hag] just wanted me to be more dominant and just demand the ball all the time,” Mainoo told the club's official website.
“And when I first came up with the first team, he told me he was going to push me, and he did. He just always demanded more from me, was involved in every play, and always got on the ball.
“He’s been so helpful. And then always guiding me, as well as the senior players, and pushing me to help me keep developing and keep getting better and better. So all credit goes to him.”
Kobbie Mainoo has had a remarkable debut season with Manchester United, where he has managed to score two goals in 16 appearances for the club.
Mainoo, who was born in Stockport to Ghanaian parents, has been in the news for the past few months about his international allegiance, either to play for Ghana or England.
Executive Council member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Randy Abbey, confirmed in an interview with the UK newspaper The Times that the West African nation is monitoring the Manchester United youngster for a possible invitation to play for the Black Stars in the future.
"The Ghana Football Association is interested in monitoring, attracting, and persuading all eligible talents for its various national teams. Kobbie is definitely one of these incredible talents, and the association would love to work with him and many like him at home and abroad," Abbey said.
Another football news website reported that Kobbie Mainoo has decided to keep his options open until he is confident of securing a place in the England squad, which is not likely.
