Kobbie Mainoo has been unavailable for Manchester United due to a thigh injury.
Manchester United managed to keep injuries under control at the start of the new season but they are beginning to creep back in with eight first-team stars now on the sidelines.
It was a huge problem for Erik ten Hag‘s side last season, especially in defence where United were forced to chop and change almost every match.
Two new injuries were confirmed ahead of the Fenerbahce match and Antony was stretchered off with an ankle injury to add to the absentees.
United have also been without Kobbie Mainoo since the goalless draw against Aston Villa with the 19-year-old midfielder out with a thigh injury.
Mainoo will miss seven games due to injury with Ten Hag confirming that he will be out for “a couple of weeks”.
Kobbie Mainoo sends three-word message during recovery
Ten Hag and United staff were criticised for their handling of Mainoo after playing the England international against Villa despite not being fully fit.
United are now paying the price with Ten Hag’s squad depth quickly being decimated. United only included three midfielders in the squad to face Fenerbahce with Mason Mount also injured and Bruno Fernandes suspended.
Mainoo has now sent a message during his recovery, and they are three words that United fans will be happy to hear.
Mainoo posted “Be right back” on his Instagram accompanied with photos of him back out on the training pitch.
It will be music to the ears of United fans, and club captain Fernandes was quick to respond, saying “Waiting on you star boy”.
Rasmus Hojlund, Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho and Leny Yoro also left messages of support as Mainoo continues his recovery.
Kobbie Mainoo’s return will be huge for Man United
Ten Hag is still trying to find the right balance in midfield this season after the £42m arrival of Manuel Ugarte in the summer.
Ugarte was excellent against Fenerbahce on Thursday evening, while Christian Eriksen has been a surprise package this season and has reclaimed a spot as a regular starter.
However, the importance of Mainoo in United’s midfield cannot be overstated, and he will likely make an immediate return to the starting lineup when fully fit.
It will also be important, though, to monitor Mainoo’s minutes this season to avoid recurring injury problems for the youngster. He played a huge amount of football last season and now as a regular in the England squad that will only get tougher to manage.
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