Erik ten Hag has downplayed comparisons between Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo and Dutch legend Clarence Seedorf.
Mainoo has become a deeply influential presence in midfield since breaking into the first-team in November, starting United’s last 12 games.
The 18-year-old has delivered some outstanding moments during that run, particularly his last-minute winner in the 4-3 victory over Wolves in early February with United legend Rio Ferdinand comparing him to former Ajax, AC Milan and Real Madrid star Seedorf, recognized as one of the best midfielders of his era.
Ten Hag is hesitant to draw comparisons between players, especially his young talents, insisting Mainoo must establish his own identity and style.
‘So I think never ever compare players with another player,’ ten Hag said. ‘Never. Because Kobbie Mainoo, but also other players, they build their own identity.
‘Don’t compare with anyone. His skillset, 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 Clarence Seedorf was. But Kobbie Mainoo is Kobbie Mainoo. He has big potential and I’m quite sure he will have a big career.’
Mainoo has made 22 senior appearances in total but on Wednesday was left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad ahead of friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
The former academy star has been supported to push his way into the Three Lions squad for Euro 2024 but while impressed with Mainoo’s progress, Gareth Southgate considered him too inexperienced to make his squad on this occasion.
‘There are some players with the Under-21s, especially in midfield, who are doing exceptionally well,’ said Southgate. ‘The likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Harvey Elliott, Rico [Lewis] was with us last time, Archie Gray at Leeds is doing very, very well.’
On Mainoo, he added: ‘I think that he’s doing brilliantly for a young player, and we’re never slow to put a young payer into the seniors, but he’s only had a handful of games and you have to be very careful development-wise in making those decisions at the right time.
‘We think ideally we should allow him that space to develop at his own speed. He’s not at the point in terms of number of games that Jude [Bellingham] or Bukayo [Saka] were when they came in for the first time.
‘But I repeat he’s doing really well for a young player, he’s a good footballer, you can see that and he’s getting some fabulous experience at Manchester United at the moment and looks a really good character.’
