How Kobbie Mainoo played against Copenhagen U19s as injury comeback continues

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Kobbie Mainoo featured for Manchester United’s U19s today as he continued his road to recovery.

The teenage midfielder is slowly making his way back to full fitness after what was a terribly timed injury in pre-season which has kept him out for some time.

He started last week for the under-21s against Salford City in the EFL Trophy, which led to speculation he may be involved against Copenhagen in Manchester United‘s Champions League clash.

Kobbie Mainoo was not selected for the first-team travelling squad and instead got a run-out against Copenhagen U19s. Here’s how he got on.

• READ MORE: Who is Kobbie Mainoo? Age, Nationality, Position, Stats and more

How did Kobbie Mainoo play against Copenhagen

Mainoo’s run-out with the United academy boys was rather uneventful. He had a quiet first half, with few moments of note.

5 minutes: Mainoo gets caught short down the right-hand side, allowing the Copenhagen winger in. Luckily the attack comes to nothing.

15 mins: Mainoo doesn’t follow Emil Hojlund’s run, which leads to a free header. This goes way off target.

30 mins: Far too skilful and strong for the Copenhagen defence on United’s left flank. He draws a free-kick which leads to nothing.

43 mins: His best moment of the half. Mainoo uses close control, strength and a ‘great bit of skill’ (as quoted on MUTV) to draw a free-kick in a really dangerous position just on the edge of the box. This goes into the side netting.

Mainoo also reappeared for the second half, which is where he departed in the reverse fixture against the Danes.

49 mins: Unbelievable diagonal ball to Isak Hansen-Aaroen, who brings it down nicely and pulls back to the edge of the box. The shot is blocked.

51 mins: Nearly an assist. Plays through Hansen-Aaroen one-on-one. His control is poor and runs through to the keeper.

68 mins: Cuts out a dangerous low cross from Copenhagen, then strolls out with the ball from the back with ease.

70 mins: How’d he get out of that? Mainoo shrugs off a midfielder who almost wrestles him to the ground, brings it out and plays a beautiful left-footed pass onto the left flank. Great play.

78 mins: Beautiful left-footed ball again. He isn’t afraid to use both feet.

90+1 mins: Mainoo nearly wins a penalty immediately after the Copenhagen equaliser with some neat dribbling. Sadly, a corner is given.

Overall, a solid 90-minute run-out for the teenager.

Will Kobbie Mainoo feature against Luton Town?

It appears he’s definitely edging closer and closer to a return to the Manchester United first-team squad.

The English midfielder managed a full game, so will definitely now be in contention.

With the news that Casemiro will be out until at least Christmas, Erik ten Hag has fewer options to lock down the six role. Mainoo could slot in nicely.

It’s important not to rush him back, given the harsh nature of his injury, but after some more much-needed game time, expect Mainoo’s first-team return imminently.