Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has seemingly aimed a belated public jab at Erik ten Hag regarding the 2023/24 season.
Last term, United finished a lowly eighth. For large parts of the campaign, the Red Devils were harshly criticised for their inconsistent performances and results, which often left a lot to be desired.
However, there was light at the end of the tunnel for Ten Hag and his players, as they managed to beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley. The trophy was Ten Hag’s second in as many years at Old Trafford.
Mainoo scored the winning goal that sunk City. It’s believed that the victory played a big role in INEOS’ decision to afford Ten Hag more time at the club when many expected him to be sacked.
Before he was eventually relieved of his duties late last month, Ten Hag often claimed in the media that the 2023/24 season was a success by virtue of lifting the FA Cup.
In fact, he insisted that over the last two years, United had been the second-most successful team in England, just behind Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
These statements weren’t received well by a section of the fanbase, who perceived them as excuses for the Dutchman’s failures in the dugout.
Now, Mainoo has appeared to defy the assessments of his former boss, remarking that a cup win does not automatically translate to a successful season.
Mainoo said in an interview with GQ, “We couldn’t go into the summer with nothing, just finishing where we finished in the table.”
“A trophy brings hope. But it definitely didn’t make the season a success.”
He added about the FA Cup triumph, “I remember just the feeling around it was like, no one expects us to win. They’ve just written us off. I used that as motivation. I won’t say it made the season a success for us as a team, but we definitely needed it.”
Mainoo is currently undergoing rehabilitation for an injury he suffered a few weeks ago. He’s expected to make a return to action after the ongoing international break when Ruben Amorim kickstarts his reign as United boss.
Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images
Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
