Manchester United provide Kobbie Mainoo injury update as timeline for return revealed

Manchester United have confirmed that Kobbie Mainoo suffered an ankle injury during their pre-season fixture against Real Madrid on Thursday.

The talented youngster was chosen to start against Los Blancos in the encounter but played just a few minutes before being forced off the pitch.

After Casemiro fouled Rodrygo, the Brazilian bundled into Mainoo, who suffered in the collision. He was seen wearing a protective boot and with crutches after the game.

The club have confirmed that it was an ankle injury for Mainoo which will rule him out of the opening stages of next season.

“The midfielder is expected to be ruled out for the first part of the 2023/24 season,” their statement read.

“He has flown home from Tour to the UK where further assessment of his injury will take place before a medical decision on the next steps.

“Everyone at the club wishes Kobbie a speedy recovery.”

It is a disappointing blow for the teenager, who looked likely to be pushing his way into Ten Hag’s thoughts for the team next term. Him starting against Madrid was an indicator of that.

In a more specific update on when Mainoo could potentially return to action, Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News has reported that the club fear their talented midfielder will be out of action for two months and could return to the squad after the international break in September.

The report also stated that the teenager’s absence could impact United’s willingness to sell Scott McTominay as Erik ten Hag does not want to be left light on options in midfield heading into the season.

Ten Hag has never been fully open to losing McTominay, who he values as an important squad member, but Mainoo’s injury makes a departure even more unlikely.

The Scotsman has attracted interest from West Ham, who are looking to replace Declan Rice, who they sold to Arsenal for £105 million.