Kobbie Mainoo interesting update ahead of Man United clash vs Sheffield United

Kobbie Mainoo has returned from injury for Manchester United and is in contention to play this weekend against Sheffield United in the Premier League.

Mainoo, 18, was one of the standout performers during United’s pre-season tour until he fell to injury against Real Madrid.

Since then, the teenager has been recovering from the ankle problem and returned to first-team training just before the international break.

Erik ten Hag would’ve likely utilised the midfielder in the opening games as he offers a different profile to most of the personnel in the engine room. He is able to progress the play through his ball-carrying abilities which are very useful when up against a high press.

With Mainoo now back available, an interesting update has emerged on his match fitness ahead of the weekend fixture.

United played their third behind-closed-doors friendly during the international break, as Ten Hag gave many youngsters, as well as Antony and Donny van de Beek, minutes against League One side Barnsley.

The Reds were reportedly 3-0 victors in the clash but reports at the time stated that the game came too soon for Mainoo to play, despite it being originally planned that he would appear.

Yet, the latest comments from Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic have revealed that the teenager did play in the game, in fact, and impressed during his outing.

Speaking on the Talk of the Devils podcast, Whitwell said: “Kobbie Mainoo, who has been out since he had that unfortunate collision in America, played in a friendly at Carrington against Barnsley.

“Barnsley played a pretty decent team, we’re told, and it was a team from United’s point of view primarily of kids, Mainoo still is a kid but you get that idea that he’s a first-team footballer, which he is.

“[But] he’s someone Ten Hag would’ve really liked to have available to him in these first few games, not to put too much pressure on the kid but he’s looked a good player.

“Apparently he was really sharp against Barnsley, United won 3-0 and Donny van de Beek and Antony played. Tom Heaton played in goal as well.”

This news ultimately suggests that Mainoo is even more prepared to play a part this weekend than initially anticipated, with a match, albeit behind-closed-doors, under his belt.

Without Casemiro, Ten Hag is likely to station Sofyan Amrabat at the base of midfield for the second time this term. Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes are among those likely to start but Mainoo could also make an appearance.