Manchester United’s injury woes continue, with Kobbie Mainoo expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks in yet another major setback for Ruben Amorim.
United went into Sunday’s 1-0 defeat against Tottenham already depleted, missing key players such as Amad Diallo, Manuel Ugarte, Toby Collyer, and Christian Eriksen.
Mainoo’s absence was particularly felt in midfield, where Casemiro partnered Bruno Fernandes for his first start since December.
The situation was so dire that United named seven academy players on the bench, with Victor Lindelof as the only senior outfield substitute.
With Lisandro Martínez ruled out for the season and Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans, and Mason Mount still unavailable, Amorim’s squad is stretched to its limit.
According to reports, Mainoo’s injury is set to keep him out until April, meaning he will miss crucial Premier League fixtures against Everton, Ipswich, Arsenal, Leicester City, and possibly Nottingham Forest.
He will also be sidelined for the FA Cup fifth-round clash with Fulham and both legs of United’s Europa League last-16 tie.
This injury also likely rules the 19-year-old out of England’s March international matches under new boss Thomas Tuchel. Mainoo, who has started 15 of United’s 25 league games this season, has struggled to replicate last year’s breakthrough form.
Amorim has experimented with him in more advanced positions, with mixed results he shone as a No. 10 in a Europa League win over FSCB but struggled as a false nine against Crystal Palace.
United have yet to disclose the specifics of Mainoo’s injury, but Amorim has indicated it is not as severe as the season-ending one suffered by Diallo.
“I think Kobbie [Mainoo] is out [against Everton]. Amad is out, for sure, until the end of the season,” the Portuguese coach said.
With his squad already stretched thin, Amorim will be desperate for good news on Ugarte and Collyer before United’s upcoming trip to Goodison Park. However, with injuries piling up, the road ahead looks increasingly challenging for the Red Devils.