Erik ten Hag spots Kobbie Mainoo's two biggest weaknesses as Man Utd starlet told how to improve

Erik ten Hag and his coaches at Manchester United have identified two areas in which Kobbie Mainoo can improve as he continues his development.

Mainoo, 18, is already one of the brightest young prospects in the Premier League and could make his international debut for England when they take on Brazil at Wembley on Saturday.

Mainoo was drafted into the senior squad earlier this week after a change of heart from England manager Gareth Southgate.

He initially left Mainoo out of his squad for the games against Brazil and Belgium before reversing his decision, calling him up from the U21 squad.

It is a remarkable rise for the midfielder, who only made his Premier League debut for United in November.

Mainoo still has only made 23 senior appearances for United and it's clear the midfielder has huge potential.

The Times report that United "have been very pleased with his progression" but think there is "still room for improvement" in his game.

"Ten Hag told him this season that Mainoo should ask for the ball more. There is a feeling that he can improve with his creative passing in the final third too," added the report.

All eyes will be on Wembley on Saturday to see if Southgate will hand Mainoo his senior debut for England.

The midfielder could yet change his international allegiance to Ghana, the country of his parents' birth, and the England manager could be keen to give him game time as a show of faith in his abilities.

Mainoo could make his England debut on Saturday (Image: Getty)

Earlier this week, Mainoo revealed the unusual way he found out about his senior England call-up.

Rather than receiving the customary phone call, Mainoo was told in person after turning up for the U21 squad.

Speaking to England's official X account, Mainoo said: "I got called up to the U21s and then got a text from Steve Holland [assistant manager]. He told me to meet him in the reception and just told me I've been called up and I'm gonna be with the squad for the week.

"I don't think it's sunk in yet, but I'm excited."

Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Kobbie Mainoo, England, Premier League, Gareth Southgate

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan