Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo had to be substituted early against Real Madrid.
It was an opportunity of a lifetime, for 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo to showcase his quality against one of the best teams in the world.
Sadly for the teenager, his night lasted only six minutes. He was injured in a collision and had to be substituted.
Mainoo was later spotted on crutches after the game, although this is a typical precautionary measure from United.
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Andy Cole on Kobbie Mainoo
Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole expressed his disappointment that Mainoo did not get a proper chance to show what he can do.
Although, speaking to MUTV, he did add, that he is confident Mainoo will get plenty of opportunities in the future.
Cole said: “I’m devastated for him. You know why I’m devastated? It was an opportunity for a young man to show his skills against someone like Luka Modric and, when he came off, you could see how bitterly disappointed he was because how many opportunities do you get to play against someone like Modric in midfield?
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“I’m devastated for the young lad but he’s going to have plenty more fights to fight. Unfortunately, tonight wasn’t his night.”
Fellow pundit Danny Webber added: “It’s just unfortunate. It depends on the extent, if it’s the inside or outside or the ligaments, we don’t know. The physio will have a look at it and it could range from one week to eight weeks.
“I’m enthused by the fact he walked off the pitch so I’d like to think it’s not as bad.”
Erik ten Hag disappointed
Manchester United lost the game 2-0, with Jude Bellingham scoring in the immediate aftermath of Mainoo’s injury, while Real scored another in the 89th minute through Joselu.
Ten Hag admitted he was very disappointed that Mainoo’s night ended early.
He told club media: “You can never tell straight after a game. We have to wait for what it is. So, hopefully, it’s not too bad and then chances will come. I wanted to see what levels he could play.
“Against Arsenal, we were pleased with his performance. I wanted to see if he could repeat that, some days after, from then, we would have conclusions. First, we have to wait for the diagnosis and, from there on, we will set conclusions.”
Mainoo has been the breakout star of Manchester United’s pre-season campaign and had started all four games. He will likely miss the next match against Borussia Dortmund.
Erik ten Hag had spoken of a desire to sell players to create space for his young talents, although may have to slightly delay or recalibrate his plans. The club could, alternatively, step up pursuit of Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat.