Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has admitted there are “concerns” about Kobbie Mainoo after the midfielder came off before half-time in Sunday’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
Mainoo appeared to be struggling towards the end of the first half and was down on the turf while referee Chris Kavanagh was sending off Bruno Fernandes.
Looking visibly unhappy and frustrated, the 19-year-old hobbled off and went straight down the tunnel assisted by medical staff. Boos then rang out around Old Trafford because United were made to resume the game with only nine players, even though Mason Mount was ready to come on.
Mainoo’s injury, given the importance of his contributions over the last ten months, was a talking point after the game and Ten Hag was asked for an update.
“I can’t say in this moment,” he explained to MUTV. “I have to find out but, of course, when a player is coming off before half-time already, then there are some concerns.”
Mainoo became a first-team regular for United at the end of last November and made a huge impact, scoring the winner in the FA Cup final and playing his way into England’s starting lineup at Euro 2024. His breakthrough likely would have come even sooner but for a pre-season ankle injury last year that ruled the youngster out of action for around three months.
Mainoo was only able to have a minimal summer break. He started the Community Shield against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium just four weeks after the Euro 2024 final. He has started every Premier League game so far this season, missing only six minutes prior to Sunday’s suspected injury.
United lost Mount to a late head injury during the game, with the former Chelsea star left bleeding and unable to continue after a clash with Spurs defender Radu Dragusin.
“I’m all good, just a scratch,” Mount assured fans on social media. “Thanks for all the messages.”
