Erik ten Hag's comments about Kobbie Mainoo after the FA Cup final are going viral, he knew this would happen

It's been two weeks since Erik ten Hag urged fans in England to "keep calm" and allow Kobbie Mainoo to develop at his own pace after the FA Cup final.

Mainoo, who was one of Manchester United's standout performers last season, scored at Wembley on May 25 as Erik ten Hag's side upset the odds with victory over Manchester City.

It was a superb all-round display from the Stockport-born teenager and after the full-time whistle, Ten Hag was asked about his potential by former Newcastle striker and BBC pundit Alan Shearer.

"I think we have to keep it calm," Ten Hag said. "You are very good here in England to push players and managers very high, and then you hammer them after one or two bad performances. I think we need to keep it very calm."

Ten Hag added: "He was [magnificent]. It was really so enjoyable to watch Kobbie at his age.

"But he's also an example [of problems]. We wanted to play him in the second game [of the season], but then he got a bad injury. It was a long time until he came back."

Since those comments, Mainoo has been rewarded with a place in England's final 26-man squad for Euro 2024.

In fact, the 18-year-old midfielder was handed his second start on Friday ahead of their group stage opener against Serbia on June 16.

Gareth Southgate was quick to praise Mainoo after the final whistle at Wembley.

“We wouldn’t have any hesitation in starting him," the Three Lions manager said following the 1-0 defeat to Iceland.

"He’s shown incredible maturity, he progresses the ball forward quickly. He had two fabulous appearances here in March.”

But despite having the backing of Southgate, some were critical of Mainoo's performance on Friday as England slipped to a 1-0 defeat.

Others, meanwhile, were vocal in their support for the teenager.

One fan wrote: "Please leave Kobbie Mainoo alone. He is a work in progress like every other 19-year old. One game not so good we have to accept for any player. He will be massive for both England and Manchester United the next 15 years."

A second commented: "On Mainoo media criticism it's odd but expected. We have a boring and predictable habit in our media off building someone up then cutting them down. Thankfully everyone sees it for what it is. Nonsense."

A third wrote: "Erik ten Hag was spot on about the English media, Kobbie Mainoo must be protected," while a fourth added: "Mainoo being one of England's better players again in an overall bad performance from the team being unnoticed is crazy."

Thoughts on Mainoo's performance on Friday? Let us know in the comments.

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