Manchester United suffer Kobbie Mainoo injury blow amid Champions League race with Liverpool
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Kobbie Mainoo has been ever-present in the Man United starting XI again under Michael Carrick. Image Credits: Imago ImagesManchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo will miss tonight’s Premier League clash with Leeds United due to a minor injury.The 20-year-old has been a regular starter under Michael Carrick after being frozen out in the first half of the campaign under Ruben Amorim.His run of consecutive appearances comes to an end, with Manuel Ugarte expected to replace him in midfield alongside Casemiro.Mainoo’s absence is injury-related.
The midfielder featured for England during the international break and was also part of United’s squad that travelled to Kildare, Ireland for a training camp last week.He had started all 10 matches since Carrick took charge in January, completing the full 90 minutes in each except the defeat to Newcastle United.Providing an update on Mainoo’s absence for the Leeds United clash, Carrick told Sky Sports ahead of kick-off: “Just the last day in training, he picked up a small issue. He seems not too bad but it wasn’t worth pushing it tonight with the games coming up.”Mainoo’s future remains uncertain, although Michael Carrick is hopeful the midfielder will sign a new contract with Manchester United before the end of the season.
He has since become an important part of the squad.Now approaching his 21st birthday this Sunday, he has impressed under Carrick and recently earned an England recall, strengthening his case for selection at the upcoming World Cup.Ahead of the Leeds United fixture, Carrick was asked at Carrington whether he is confident Mainoo will agree new terms before the end of the campaign.“Obviously we’d like to think so, yeah, and it’s getting closer so we’re positive with that,” Carrick said. Time will tell how it goes, but at the moment we’re in a good place with it.”By winning seven of his 10 games since January and lifting United up to third in the Premier League, Carrick has boosted hopes of a return to the Champions League.