Mainoo was still 17, with 87 minutes of playing time to his name and in civilian clothing. The Reds had invited players not involved in the matchday squad and the League Cup was not deemed worthy of a cup final suit.
Ten Hag, with his gold medal draped around his neck, placed his hand on Mainoo, clasped hands, spoke to him for 15 seconds and ended the pep talk by patting him on the head.
You can see Mainoo says 'yeah' and Ten Hag is one of those coaches I who do not conceal their mouth (unlike his women's team counterpart Marc Skinner). You do not have to be a lip reader to get the gist of what Ten Hag was imparting. Keep going and you'll be part of this in the -near future.
Exactly 391 days later, Mainoo played at Wembley for England against Brazil. On Tuesday night, he started against Belgium and was man of the match.
Next month, Mainoo will start for United at Wembley against Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final. Provided he avoids injury, he is as assured of strolling out and onto the pitch alongside Fernandes, who will lead United out.
"His attributes are there for everybody to see," Gareth Southgate enthused. "The ability to receive under pressure, ride challenges, to manipulate the ball in tight areas.
Denne historien er fra March 28, 2024-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 28, 2024-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
DON'T PANIC
KOVACIC CONFIDENT BLUES CAN OVERCOME SLUMP
Zlatan not ruling out Vic switch
AC MILAN advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic has refused to rule out the possibility of United centre-back Victor Lindelof joining the Italian club next summer.
Carsley gives respect to Ireland after Greece win
INTERIM boss Lee Carsley says celebrations are on ice as England look to follow up their impressive win in Greece by sealing promotion back to the Nations League top tier by beating the Republic of Ireland.
Young Heskey aims to step out of dad's shadow with Blues
\"IT'S the normal,\" says one of the latest City academy strikers catching attention in describing his upbringing.
Safety pledge for Brits going overseas for ops
THE Health Secretary has said he will work to improve safety for Britons travelling abroad for cosmetic procedures in the wake of several deaths.
£15m 'wasted' on migrant camp site
THE Home Office spent £15m buying a derelict prison contaminated with asbestos amid political pressure to stop housing migrants in hotels, according to Whitehall's spending watchdog.
Experts: Climate talks 'no longer fit for purpose'
THE process of UN climate negotiations is no longer fit for purpose and requires a comprehensive overhaul, leading experts have warned.
McCall reveals tumour diagnosis
CELEBRITIES have flocked to wish Davina McCall well after she revealed she has been diagnosed with a brain tumour, with fellow TV presenter Amanda Holden sending \"so much love\".
'Revenge' shooting teen faces years behind bars
BOY BLASTED AT CLOSE RANGE WITH SHOTGUN IN PREMEDITATED AND PRE-PLANNED' ATTACK
'It was dark, the waves were very high - it was very, very hard'
THE M.E.N. SPEAKS TO ASYLUM SEEKERS WHOSE HOUSING AT A HOTEL HAS DIVIDED A TOWN
