Kobbie Mainoo pictured on crutches after Erik ten Hag issues injury update

27 July 2023 , 13:05

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Kobbie Mainoo pictured on crutches after Erik ten Hag issues injury update

Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo was pictured leaving the pre-season friendly against Real Madrid on crutches after a collision with Rodrygo.

Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag handed Mainoo a start against the Spanish giants but his night would last just two minutes before he required treatment. Rodrygo made a run towards the United goal, only to be upended by his fellow Brazilian Casemiro. The tackle sent the Los Blancos ace flying before he would land in a heap on top of the unfortunate Mainoo.

The incident rendered Mainoo too stricken to carry on and he was replaced by Christian Eriksen. Later on, the 18-year-old midfield ace was spotted using crutches with his left foot in a protective boot.

After the game, Ten Hag was pressed for comment on the status of Mainoo's injury and if it would mean a lengthy spell on the sideline awaits, but the United boss admitted it was far too early to diagnose. The Dutchman explained: "I understand the question but you can never tell straight after a game. We have to wait for what it is. Hopefully he is not too bad and chances will come."

Mainoo has emerged as one of the breakout stars of this U.S. tour for United and is widely tipped to earn himself some first-team minutes next term. He put in a stunning performance during last Saturday's 2-0 win over Premier League rivals Arsenal and was subsequently praised by his manager.

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"It's fantastic," Ten Hag added. " Manchester United is famous for always bringing young players up, and it can be done. We have confidence, he is playing with confidence, and I really like his performance.

"But this year, he showed it in spring, then he got injured. We are really happy. There are more youngsters with us now and they're all doing very good. But I don't want to raise expectations too high."

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Ten Hag wasn't alone in his praise of Mainoo, with United icon Bryan Robson also heaping praise on the teenager, telling The Telegraph: "He’s calculated and he’s reading the game, doing things in his own time.

"He closes down really well, receives the ball and changes the pattern of the game, quickens it up when he wants to and he’s using his football brain. I’m quite impressed with him."

United have a midfield packed with talent, the likes of captain Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and marquee summer signing Mason Mount but Mainoo will be aiming to build on the momentum he has garnered this summer to try and gain some more first-team minutes next season.

That is if he can stay fit of course, with Mainoo's main priority now to be shaking off the injury sustained against Real Madrid in time for the start of the new campaign.

Josh O'Brien