Manchester United fear Kobbie Mainoo could be out for two months with transfer plans impacted
Man United youngster Kobbie Mainoo came off against Real Madrid on Thursday and left the stadium wearing a protective boot. Manchester United fear youngster Kobbie Mainoo could be out of action for two months after picking up an ankle injury against Real Madrid on Thursday.
Mainoo started his fourth game of pre-season at the NRG Stadium in Houston but lasted just two minutes. Brazil winger Rodrygo landed awkwardly on the 18-year-old after being upended by Casemiro, with the issue serious enough for him to come off.
He was spotted on crutches and wearing a protective boot after the match and manager Erik ten Hag was unable to give an update on the night, insisting the club needed to allow time in order to provide an accurate prognosis.
Assessments have been ongoing since and revealed that Mainoo could be out for around two months, meaning he will miss the start of the 2023/2024 season and may not return until after the first international break in September.
The teenager’s absence could impact United’s willingness to sell Scott McTominay as Erik ten Hag does not want to be left light on options in midfield heading into the season.. West Ham have held a long-standing interest in the midfielder as they look to replace Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal. Ten Hag has never been fully open to losing McTominay, who he values as an important squad member, but Mainoo’s injury makes a departure even more unlikely.
Mainoo was informed of his place in Ten Hag’s plans for next season earlier this month, following an impressive start to pre-season. The versatile midfielder, who made his debut in the Carabao Cup against Charlton in January, is seen as the next shining light to come through the academy. Speaking last week, Ten Hag praised the teenager and explained his decision to keep the youngster in his plans for the upcoming season.
“We have to see in pre-season,” said the boss, when asked about where he sees the youngster fitting this term. ”He gets his chance because he deserves it. Because he showed it in the Under-21s and in our training. He showed a high level and now he has to show it in games. So pre-season is perfect to test him.
“He is an option to get into the game squad and to get playtime. We will see but I am confident he can do it and we have to wait we have test if it is going to happen.” The transfer window is in full swing and United have already got their hands on two players, with Mason Mount and Andre Onana through the door at Old Trafford
Erik ten Hag’s attention now turns to signing a new goal scorer following their struggles in that department last season. Anthony Martial is the only genuine striker in United’s squad and his fitness can not be relied upon, so United are looking at Rasmus Hojlund and Harry Kane as options.
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