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Manchester United are expected to be without midfielder Kobbie Mainoo for their next seven games.
United head into post-October international break fixtures on a five-match winless run. The side’s worrying injury list ahead of the Brentford clash at Old Trafford this weekend suggest Erik ten Hag’s task to steady the ship is only going to get trickier.
In particular, Mainoo’s injury setback comes as a major blow for the Red Devils, as the youngster has perhaps been the only midfielder who has not underwhelmed this season.
The 19-year-old started for United against Aston Villa and played for 85 minutes in the 0-0 draw before the international break. However, he withdrew from England’s squad for the Nations League fixtures due to a muscle injury.
On Thursday, United confirmed that the young star is expected to be out “for a few weeks.”
Now, The Times report that Mainoo is likely to miss United’s next seven games, owing to the hamstring issue.
United’s first challenge without Mainoo is set to be against Brentford followed by a trip to Fenerbahce in the Europa League five days later.
Before the November international break, the Mancunians are also scheduled to face West Ham United, Leicester City in the League Cup, Chelsea, PAOK in the Europa League, and Leicester City.
Mainoo has been trusted to start all of the first seven Premier League games for United this term. In total, the dynamic midfielder, who is reportedly set to be rewarded with a new long-term deal, has featured in nine games across all competitions.
As such, his absence and Manuel Ugarte’s struggle to find his feet in Manchester swiftly, leave Ten Hag with a new selection headache. It will be interesting to see how he lines up against Brentford on Saturday afternoon.
Amid the injury crisis at left-back, Ten Hag handed academy midfielder Toby Collyer a start against Barnsley earlier this season.
Now with Mainoo sidelined, Collyer might finally get an opportunity to show his talents in the middle of the park this campaign.
Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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