Transfer: Ten Hag blocks midfielder he ‘loves to madness’ from leaving Man United

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has blocked teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo from leaving Old Trafford this summer.

Ten Hag is said to “love him to madness”, according to The Athletic.

The 18-year-old made just three senior appearances for Manchester United but he was in line for selection at the end of last season, only to be ruled out of the run-in with injury.

The midfielder was part of the 2022 FA Youth Cup winning side alongside Alejandro Garnacho and he won the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of The Year Award last season.

United have signed Mason Mount already this summer to bolster their midfield and Erik ten Hag is also keen on Sofyan Amrabat.

But the Athletic say United have no plans to send Mainoo out on loan next season as Ten Hag ‘loves him to madness’.

The Dutchman is said to have been taken aback by the midfielder’s maturity and feels he’s ready to play a part for the first team.

While that’s likely to look like minutes in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, Ten Hag clearly feels Mainoo is too good to send out on loan.

The likes of Fred and Scott McTominay could leave Old Trafford this summer in order to raise funds to sign a striker.

That would open up a spot in United’s squad for Mainoo and he’s considered to be ahead of fellow youngster Hannibal Mejbri in the pecking order.