Kobbie Mainoo provides fresh update as Erik ten Hag makes Man United referee call

Kobbie Mainoo has provided an update after completing 90 minutes for Manchester United’s academy team for the second time in eight days.

Mainoo, 18, has recently returned from an ankle injury that kept him out of the opening months of the season.

Erik ten Hag would’ve likely used the teenager if he had not been ruled out, after a positive pre-season, but now the United manager has been taking care of his return to the first-team.

Having been back in training for several weeks now, Mainoo has appeared in the first-team squad on two occasions, against Fulham and Manchester City, but did not come off the bench in either.

Instead, he has now made three appearances for United’s youth teams. He played 45 minutes against Salford City in the EFL Trophy, assisting twice in that encounter. Now, the midfielder has made back-to-back 90-minute appearances against Copenhagen in the UEFA Youth League.

He was one of the standout players in the most recent fixture, as United conceded a last-minute goal to draw 2-2 and Mainoo has taken to Instagram to provide an update on his match fitness.

Following his latest display, Mainoo uploaded a story with the caption, “Getting back up to speed.”

With the Premier League clash with Luton Town coming this weekend, Mainoo could make his third appearance in the squad this season and will hope that he’s able to enter the pitch this time around.

Meanwhile, ahead of the game, Ten Hag has discussed the possibility of working alongside fellow Premier League managers to discuss improving the dire situation related to refereeing in the division.

The United boss would rather have conversations behind closed doors with PGMOL rather than air complaints each week during interviews and press conferences.

Ten Hag’s side have had several confusing decisions go against them so far this term, with the most recent league example coming last time out when Scott McTominay’s goal against Fulham was ruled out due to Harry Maguire being in an offside position, and being judged to be interfering with play.

Asked by club media whether he’s frustrated that subjective calls seem to be going against his side, Ten Hag replied: “Yes, but I think as managers collectively, we have to talk with the PGMOL to improve football and togetherness and find solutions and togetherness. Not debate it in public.”