Manchester United have confirmed that English-born Ghanaian budding midfielder Kobbie Mainoo will miss the start of the upcoming season.
The 18-year-old midfielder, who made his first-team breakthrough last season and was playing a prominent role on the summer tour of the United States, was injured in Thursday’s friendly against Real Madrid in Houston.
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.
Kobbie was handed his fourth start in pre-season against Real Madrid when Brazilian forward Rodrygo landed on his leg following a tackle from United midfielder Casemiro.
The Academy graduate was forced to withdraw from the match.
The 18-year-old posted on his Instagram account following the incident.
“I’ll be back stronger and in no time,” he wrote. “Thanks for your messages of support.”
United team-mates such as fellow Academy graduate Alejandro Garnacho and club captain Bruno Fernandes commented on Mainoo’s post with well wishes.
Mainoo entered 2023/24 on the back of his senior Reds debut last term, handed to him by Erik ten Hag, and having been named the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year.
The youngster continued to impress during pre-season, with Ten Hag showing his faith in him by selecting the midfielder to start against Arsenal and Real Madrid.
Mainoo will miss Manchester United’s final match of Tour 2023, against Borussia Dortmund on Monday 31 July.
