Man Utd boss Ten Hag perturbed by Kobbie Mainoo Injury

Manchester United have suffered an injury blow in the form of Kobbie Mainoo ahead of the 2023-24 season. The midfielder was left on crutches and wearing a protective boot after the 2-0 loss to Real Madrid. 

The teenager was a surprise inclusion in the team that faced mighty Madrid at the NRG Stadium on Wednesday but he remained on the field for only two minutes before being substituted.

Madrid forward Rodrygo was involved in a heavy collision with Mainoo after being tripped by Casemiro. The 18 year old was seen wearing a plastic boot on his left foot as he left the NRG Stadium. 

“You can never tell straight after a game, we have to wait for what it is," Erik ten Hag said when asked about the injury in the post match conference.  

"Hopefully he is not too bad and chances will come. I wanted to see what levels he could play against Arsenal, we were pleased with his performance, and I wanted to see if he could repeat that and set conclusions, now I have to wait for the diagnosis."

United were defeated in Houston courtesy goals from Madrid new signings Jude Bellingham, Joselu

Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford did have a few chances but Lunin was never seriously tested. 

"For us it was a bad start, straight away an injury for Kobbie Mainoo, he has to get off and then we straight away concede -- offside, onside, it's very difficult to see," said Ten Hag.

"Of course Real Madrid are a very good team, very good football players but we created some very good chances. We have to be more clinical and score goals from those situations.

"Overall, I have seen some good stuff and from this we know we are in the right direction against a good opponent in a complicated system. I am happy about it."

One positive for Ten Hag and his boys was Andre Onana, who made his United debut, put on a good performance in-front of the goal on Thursday. The Boss didn’t shy away from praising the Cameroon International and believes he has a good future ahead

I think [Onana had] a good performance, solid," said Ten Hag.

"Two very good saves, so he was there in the moment the team needed him. He did his job, he integrated well in our team."