“It was evident that he never desired him, but the club compelled him to, and now he has turned out to be a significant disappointment. Erik ten Hag was correct after all.” – Gary Neville points out the Manchester United player Erik ten Hag was pressured into signing.

Gary Neville suggests that Manchester United was compelled to sign Sofyan Amrabat during the summer transfer window. The midfielder made his way to Old Trafford on transfer deadline day in September as part of the efforts to bolster Erik ten Hag’s squad. Amrabat, a Morocco international, joined on an £8.5 million loan, with Manchester United having the option to make the deal permanent for £21.4 million.

Despite Amrabat’s addition, the emergence of young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo during Amrabat’s absence has been noteworthy. Mainoo, an 18-year-old talent, marked his debut goal for the club in the FA Cup against Newport, followed by a crucial winner in the Premier League against Wolves, securing three points for United. Mainoo has swiftly gained recognition and become a regular in Ten Hag’s midfield while Amrabat was unavailable.

Former Manchester United defender Neville disclosed that Mainoo’s talent was recognized much earlier at the club. The pundit indicated that an injury to the teenager was the sole reason United opted to secure the services of Amrabat from Fiorentina.

Neville explained, “To be fair to Ten Hag, I made the inquiry in the transfer window over the summer about whether they needed another central midfielder. Amrabat was linked with them at the time, but they’ve said that if Mainoo hadn’t been injured, they’d have not brought anyone in.”

Due to Mainoo’s injury, Amrabat was brought in, but Neville emphasized that the faith in Mainoo was present from the start. According to Neville, Mainoo has already demonstrated both the quality and temperament required to excel in significant matches, establishing himself as a genuine star.

Mainoo has swiftly impressed those less acquainted with his abilities. Rasmus Hojlund, who joined in the summer in a £72 million deal, was promptly informed about the midfielder who was creating a buzz.

Following Mainoo’s decisive goal in the middle of the week, Hojlund commented, “I didn’t get to see him in pre-season because I wasn’t there. But all of the lads were talking about him and saying he is a generational talent. He has a nice body type, he is very mature and has a good personality as well.”

“He’s very calm, and outside the pitch he’s a nice, relaxed guy. You can see he’s composed and shows his quality, and he showed it again tonight – he’s an incredible talent. He’s only 18-years-old, and I thought I was young.”

“It was evident that he never desired him, but the club compelled him to, and now he has turned out to be a significant disappointment. Erik ten Hag was correct after all.” – Gary Neville points out the Manchester United player Erik ten Hag was pressured into signing.