Erik ten Hag dealt injury blow with Man Utd star ruled out of start of season

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has been ruled out for the ‘first part’ of the new Premier League season with an ankle injury.

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The 18-year-old hobbled off during United’s pre-season defeat to Real Madrid on Thursday and the injury is worse than first expected.

Mainoo was handed his fourth start in pre-season by Erik ten Hag but was forced off after Madrid’s Rodrydo landed on his leg following a tackle from United midfielder Casemiro.

‘We can confirm that Kobbie Mainoo suffered an ankle injury during the match against Real Madrid,’ United said in a statement.

‘The midfielder is expected to be ruled out for the first part of the 2023/24 season.

‘He has flown home back 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.’

Mainoo has been tipped to enjoy a breakthrough season at Old Trafford after impressing in pre-season and seemingly earning the trust of Ten Hag.

The England U19 star made his first-team debut in January and was named the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year at the end of the season.

Taking to social media following the injury setback, Mainoo said: ‘I’ll be back stronger and in no time. Thanks for your messages of support.’

Manchester United have three more pre-season friendlies – against Borussia Dortmund, Lens and Athletic Club – before kicking off the 2023-24 campaign on August 14 against Wolves.

The Red Devils finished third in the Premier League in Ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford and lifted the League Cup, their first trophy since 2017.

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