Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been told that “one of the star players” from last season could show even more long-term potential at Old Trafford.
That is according to former Manchester United defender Wes Brown, who has waxed lyrical about one “excellent” first-team player in Erik ten Hag’s squad.
Ten Hag, who inked a new contract extension with United this summer, has been busy with the start of the Red Devils’ pre-season tour this month.
United kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Rosenborg in Norway last week before beating Rangers 2-0 in Scotland on Saturday.
Ten Hag has also overseen an early overhaul of his United squad, including the denatures of players like Donny van de Beek and Mason Greenwood.
The Red Devils have strengthened key positions ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, with Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro both arriving at Old Trafford.
Brown raves about Man Utd star
Speaking to ManchesterWorld, Wes Brown opened up about his deep-seated admiration for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
Kobbie Mainoo has missed the opening two matches of the pre-season tour after representing England at Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.
The 19-year-old widely impressed during the Three Lions’ run at this summer’s Euros, with England falling short of Spain in a 2-1 defeat in the final.
Brown said that Mainoo was “excellent” for England at Euro 2024 and called him “one of the star players” from the Red Devils’ 2023-24 campaign.
“He has been excellent and we’ve seen at such an early stage in his career how mature he can be,” he said.
“He was excellent for England at the Euros. He was one of the star players last year [at United] and you can see that confidence there.
“I think with playing more games comes more experience and at any club you have high expectations, but at Man United, it’s probably even higher.”
Brown on Mainoo’s potential
Kobbie Mainoo had his breakout season in the United first team in the 2023-24 campaign and established himself as a key midfield figure for Erik ten Hag’s men.
The Stockport-born player started all 24 Premier League matches that he featured in for United after missing the early stages of the season due to an ankle injury.
Mainoo, who scored three times in the Premier League last season, earned rave reviews for his performances and cemented his place as a regular starter for United.
Brown insisted that the England international is “already one of the first names on the team sheet” and there are “even better things” to come from Mainoo.
“He seems to use that. He has control and he’s aware of his ability,” he added.
“He is one of the youngest players and is already one of the first names on the team sheet.
“He takes full responsibility at such a young age. But I think we’re going to see even better things coming from Kobbie.
“It’s difficult to take him out of the team. I know at such a young age you don’t want to put pressure on players but he’s shown he thrives under pressure and it doesn’t let it affect him.”