Just over a year after sharing a special moment with Erik ten Hag at Wembley, Kobbie Mainoo has been a shining light during a difficult season for Manchester United.
The teenager has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Old Trafford since making his first-team debut in a 3-0 win over Everton in November last year.
Mainoo has made 22 appearances in all competitions, scoring against Newport in the FA Cup third round and a dramatic last-minute winner against Wolves last month.
Ten Hag trusted the 18-year-old to perform on the biggest stage and was rewarded with another superb performance in United’s epic 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final.
And it’s no surprise to see the Dutchman hold Mainoo in such high regard, given the way he spoke affectionately to him when United won the Carabao Cup at Wembley in February last year.
Erik ten Hag and Kobbie Mainoo (right) share a hug after United’s 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday.
The pair shared a similar moment at Wembley last year after United won the Carabao Cup.
After winning the Carabao Cup, Ten Hag spoke at length with Mainoo, who was not part of his team at the time.
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After United beat Newcastle 2-0 to win a first trophy in six seasons, Ten Hag took time out for a long chat with Mainoo, despite the teenager not being part of the team at the time.
The footage shows Ten Hag, with his winner’s medal still around his neck, walking straight towards Mainoo, before putting his arm around his neck and talking animatedly for a few moments.
The young midfielder, who watched the final from the stands, nods in approval at Ten Hag and smiles, before the United manager pats him on the head and moves on.
Speaking last week, Ten Hag praised Mainoo, but insisted the youngster should be allowed to build his own identity, after being compared to AC Milan great Clarence Seedorf.
Seedorf won 87 caps for the Netherlands and the Champions League with Ajax, Real Madrid and AC Milan during a glittering career.
“I think you should never compare players with another player. Never. Because Kobbie Mainoo, but also other players, build their own identity,” said Ten Hag.
“Don’t compare yourself to anyone. His skills are so typical. And it’s so Kobbie Mainoo, it has nothing to do with the other players.
“Of course he can learn from other players, especially great players like Clarence Seedorf.
“But Kobbie Mainoo is Kobbie Mainoo. He has great potential and I’m sure he will have a great career.
Alongside Alejandro Garnacho, who is nine months older, Mainoo represents both United’s present and future.
The 18-year-old has had a breakthrough season for Manchester United
Mainoo was impressive again in Sunday’s epic 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup
Ten Hag urged Mainoo (left) and Alejandro Garnacho (middle) to stay hungry to improve
Garnacho has started 29 of his 38 appearances in all competitions this season, but Ten Hag insisted the two teenagers should not feel their place in the team is guaranteed.
‘Incredibly good’, United manager said Rio Ferdinand on TNT Sport when asked how the duo had fared this season.
“But they (Garnacho and Mainoo) are only at the beginning of the journey, and this is also what they need to understand.
“They are now in the first team, but getting here is a lot easier than staying here, and there is going to be a big fight for them (to get there).”