Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is ruled out for the first part of the 2023/24 season after suffering an ankle injury during the pre-season game against Real Madrid.
The Red Devils have confirmed via ManUtd.com that the 18-year-old ‘has flown home to the UK where further assessment of his injury will occur before a medical decision on the next steps’.
Mainoo was forced off inside three minutes during United’s 2-0 friendly loss to Madrid.
Los Blancos forward Rodrygo fell into the young midfielder when Casemiro brought him down.
Mainoo was ready to make the big step to the first team
The accidental clash between Mainoo with Rodrygo may hamper Erik ten Hag’s transfer plans in the midfield department.
Samuel Luckhurst reports that the academy product ‘may not return until after the first international break in September’.
Mainoo produced some magnificent displays in the pre-season and looked set to break into United’s first team.
Many people consider the upcoming campaign to be his breakthrough season, where he could rise to the occasion like his fellow teammate Alejandro Garnacho.
Ten Hag selected Mainoo to start with Casemiro against Real Madrid, ahead of Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay.
This indicated that the Dutchman had faith in the teenager to deliver for the team.
With this unfortunate ankle injury, Ten Hag might not be open to offloading McTominay this summer.
The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to West Ham United this summer. However, Red Devils value him in the region of £40-45 million.
Fred is likely to leave United soon, with Galatasaray and Lazio showing keen interest in the Brazil international.
If Mainoo’s injury proves to be worse after further assessment, the Red Devils may advance their talks to sign Fiorentina star Sofyan Amrabat.
