Erik ten Hag Faces Midfield Crisis as Kobbie Mainoo Set to Miss Seven Matches
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been dealt a significant setback, with young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo ruled out for up to seven matches due to a hamstring injury. The 19-year-old sustained the injury during United’s goalless draw against Aston Villa on October 6, forcing him to withdraw from international duty with England.
Mainoo Sidelined for a Month
Manchester United has now confirmed that Mainoo’s recovery is expected to keep him out until after the next international break, which is around a month away. This is a huge blow for the club, as they enter a critical phase of the season, facing tough domestic and European challenges. Mainoo will miss crucial fixtures, starting with the upcoming Premier League clash against Brentford and the Europa League trip to Fenerbahce.
Midfield Shortage Adds Pressure
The timing of Mainoo’s absence could not be worse for Erik ten Hag, as his midfield options are already stretched thin. Manuel Ugarte, another key player in midfield, suffered a thigh injury while playing for Uruguay, adding to Ten Hag’s selection headaches. If Ugarte doesn’t recover in time, United may be left with only two fit senior central midfielders, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro, to face Brentford at Old Trafford this weekend.
