Manchester United could face more problems with Erik ten Hag admitting he has ‘concerns’ over Kobbie Mainoo after the midfielder was forced off in the dismal defeat to Tottenham.
United were thrashed 3-0 by Spurs at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon with Bruno Fernandes shown a straight red card in the first half following his challenge on James Maddison.
Shortly after the red card, Mainoo was replaced by Mason Mount, heading straight down the tunnel with his teammate eventually coming on to replace him after some initial confusion over the change.
Mount was back in the squad last week against FC Twente after recovering from a calf problem but was himself forced off in the second-half. The former Chelsea star left the pitch with blood gushing from his head after a clash of heads with Spurs defender Radu Dragusin.
Ten Hag faces a pivotal week with games on the road against Porto and Aston Villa in the Europa League and Premier League.
Speaking after Sunday’s defeat, ten Hag provided an update on the pair.
‘I can’t say at the moment,’ he told MUTV. ‘I have to find out but, of course, when a player is coming off before half-time already, then there are some concerns.
‘Also, I have seen how Mason came off. He was bleeding so it’s clear there are some problems there and we have to see how they recover in the coming days.’
Mount later shared a photo of himself appearing to get stitches in his head from a member of United’s medical staff, writing: ‘I’m all good, just a scratch. Thanks for all the messages’
United could face major problems in midfield should Mainoo be unavailable. The 19-year-old has been almost ever-present in the Premier League starting XI this season with options elsewhere thin on the ground.
Manuel Ugarte partnered the England international in midfield against Spurs, struggling against the north London side on what was his first Premier League start.
Casemiro came off the bench with Christian Eriksen forcing his way back into the team in recent weeks.
United will also have to contend with the absence of Fernandes, who will miss Premier League games against Villa, Brentford and West Ham.
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