Manchester United wonderkid now in first-team training following Kobbie Mainoo injury blow

Manchester United has chosen to give one of their most talented Academy midfielders time with the first team following an injury blow to Kobbie Mainoo.

Manchester United confirmed on Thursday evening that Kobbie Mainoo would be out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury, a statement later reiterated by Erik ten Hag himself.

“Kobbie [Mainoo] and Harry [Maguire] are out for a couple of weeks,” the Dutch manager said on Friday afternoon.

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It has also been revealed that Mainoo could miss the club’s next seven games, all the way to the international break.

This would leave his return date at the end of November when United travels to face Ipswich Town on the 24th of the month.

Academy star in training

Following confirmation of the injury blow to Mainoo, United players took to training on Thursday afternoon, and several academy players took to the field with the first-team.

Although Tyler Fredricson, Malachi Sharpe, Ashton Missin, Sam Mather, and Ruben Curley were all pictured, the most exciting addition to the session was that of 18-year-old Finley McAllister.

McAllister captained the United U18s to their brilliant treble successes last season, but is yet to make a significant impression in the U21s, playing just four times in the Premier League 2 this campaign, along with a lone cameo in the EFL trophy.

However, he is rated as one of the club’s most scintillating academy graduates, and with Ten Hag often keen to include young players in his matchday squad.

Not the only one in line

However, McAllister is not the only Academy player looking to gain minutes in midfield for the club this weekend.

With Mainoo out and Manuel Ugarte a doubt, there is a chance for one of Toby Collyer or Dan Gore to step up in the coming weeks.

Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are the only deeper midfielders currently available to Ten Hag. Although this pair will likely start on the weekend, a substitute role may be available.

All three players must be on their sharpest form in training as Ten Hag selects his side in the coming days.

Collyer has already impressed off the bench this season, replacing Casemiro at half-time against Liverpool in September and immediately looking comfortable during such a high-pressure game at Old Trafford.

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