- 3 hours ago
Man Utd may not need to sign midfielder due to 'brilliant' teen
Steve Kay
- Updated: 31 Jul 2023 09:11 BST
- 5 min read
Exclusive
Manchester United are after a midfielder ahead of the new season but MUTV commentator Ben Thornley believes that they may not need one.
Erik ten Hag is after a defensive midfielder to come in and play in a double-pivot with Casemiro. But the emergence of one youngster means that he may not have to splash the cash.
Thornley spoke exclusively to FootballTransfers about Stockport-born player Kobbie Mainoo, saying that his stunning form this pre-season comes as no surprise and he’s been ‘brilliant for years.
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Thornley said to us: “I would have said another with both Fred and McTominay possibly leaving but the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo has been brilliant, despite the recent knock. And to be honest, it’s no surprise to me having watched him for two years at youth level.
“I’d like to see another wide player that is equally comfortable with both feet and has plenty of pace. If Man Utd can get a No.9 then with Onana and Mount to boot, we are in a decent position.”
Mainoo injury woes
The trouble is Mainoo was diagnosed with an ankle injury during Man Utd’s pre-season tour and will consequently miss the beginning of the new season.
The 18-year-old holding midfielder started against Arsenal and Real Madrid on the summer tour as Ten Hag weighed up on whether to keep hold of him or send him out on loan for the upcoming campaign.
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But the plans have taken a blow as, against Real Madrid, Mainoo went off injured after Rodrigo fell into the back of his leg.
Last season, the teenager was given his Premier League debut as a substitute in his side’s 3-0 win over Leicester.
Now he is set to miss out on the first couple of months of the new season with an injury, meaning any chance of a loan may be hampered.
