Manchester United have confirmed that teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo will miss the remainder of pre-season and the first part of the coming campaign as a result of an ankle injury.
The 18-year-old was enjoying a stellar summer, as evidenced by Erik ten Hag's decision to keep him around the senior squad for the Real Madrid game just 24 hours after a team of academy talents faced Wrexham.
Mainoo would not last long against the Spanish side, however, as he suffered an ankle injury in the early stages of the game and was eventually seen leaving the stadium on crutches.
The midfielder appeared to offer some hope about his fitness on Instagram, telling fans: "I’ll be back stronger and in no time. Thank you for your messages of support."
Unfortunately, United have now confirmed that Mainoo is set for a spell on the sidelines because of his injury.
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"Manchester United can confirm that Kobbie Mainoo suffered an ankle injury during the match against Real Madrid on Tour 2023," a club statement explained.
"The midfielder is expected to be ruled out for the first part of the 2023/24 season.
"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."
The injury brings an abrupt end to what had been a dazzling pre-season campaign for Mainoo, who impressed Ten Hag and fans alike with his controlled performances at the base of United's midfield.
United continue to search for midfield reinforcements this summer and remain in negotiations over Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat, while Fred is also in talks over a move away from Old Trafford.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Man Utd confirm extent of Kobbie Mainoo's ankle injury.
