United will be looking to register another win against Jacob Neestrup’s men when they play the second-leg tie at Parken Stadium.

A report covered by The Peoples Person earlier today indicated that the likes of Marcus Rashford and Victor Lindelof took part in a light training session in the morning.

One player who was not spotted was Mainoo.

The Carrington academy graduate was part of United’s matchday squads against Manchester City and Fulham but did not have a taste of any minutes.

United confirmed via the club’s official website that Mainoo is fit despite him not being seen by cameras at the club’s training complex.

The Manchester Evening News relays that the highly-rated 18-year-old will play in the Youth League fixture against FC Copenhagen.

“The Manchester Evening News understands Mainoo was instead involved in training with the U19s and will play for them on Wednesday afternoon as he is eased back into action following his ankle injury.”

The Youth League game vs. FC Copenhagen kicks off just a few hours before the main event later in the evening.

It’s evident that United are gently reeling the midfielder back to action so as to ensure his injury is not aggravated.

U21s coach Travis Binnion recently revealed that the Red Devils’ plan is to make sure Mainoo is in top physical shape before being fully involved with the senior squad.

No doubt that it’s only a matter of time until Mainoo gets his chance to prove himself in Erik ten Hag’s setup.

The post Relief as Kobbie Mainoo’s absence from training ahead of FC Copenhagen clash is explained appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Rashford of course missed United’s game vs. Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday after he suffered a heavy knock during training before the game,

Erik ten Hag told reporters that it was decided there was no need to risk the Englishman with a number of important matches coming up.

Rashford was spotted undertaking drills alongside his teammates, in what will come as a major boost to Ten Hag in terms of selection.

Marcus Rashford is there. pic.twitter.com/oXIORQVPlr

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) November 7, 2023

It remains to be seen whether Rashford will be fit enough to line up against Jacob Neestrup’s men at Parken Stadium.

Also present in training was Victor Lindelof. Lindelof missed the Fulham game due to illness. All signs point to the fact that he has recovered and will be in contention to feature against FC Copenhagen.

According to The Manchester Evening News, Kobbie Mainoo was not spotted at Carrington earlier today.

Mainoo was on the bench during the weekend and also made the matchday squad for the derby defeat at the hands of Manchester City.

The highly-rated 18-year-old is of course yet to have a taste of first-team minutes since returning from an injury picked up during the pre-season tour.

As per MEN, here is the full United training squad for Copenhagen:

Goalkeepers: Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton.

Defenders: Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Diogo Dalot, Lindelof, Raphael Varane, Sergio Reguilon.

Midfielders: Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek, Sofyan Amrabat, Mason Mount, Hannibal Mejbri, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen

Forwards: Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Facundo Pellistri, Rasmus Hojlund, Omari Forson.

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The chances of finishing in the top four of the Premier League already look slim and manager Erik ten Hag is under increasing pressure to turn around the fortunes of the team.

Things could have looked a lot different if the injury toll was less as multiple key players have suffered long-term injuries which have forced the manager into constantly rejigging the team which has not allowed for any real momentum.

Mainoo destined for the top

One player whose absence necessitated a change of plans was Kobbie Mainoo who was tipped for a breakthrough season after some promising displays during pre-season.

However, a freak injury against Real Madrid has seen him miss almost three months of action at at time when the team was crying out for a midfield presence that the academy graduate possesses.

His display during the EFL Trophy against Salford this past week was a reminder of his undoubted talents, as he almost glided across the pitch while picking the right pass each time and looking like he has extra time on his side.

Former United star Anthony Elanga even claimed the 18-year-old is similar to World Cup winner and former United midfielder Paul Pogba who was always elegant with the ball at his feet.

Ten Hag, who gave Mainoo his debut last season, has major plans for him this season but it remains to be seen if he will be involved in the game against Fulham.

The England U19 international was on the bench during the Manchester derby as Manchester City dismantled United, who appear to be on a downward spiral at the moment.

City continue to get better and better and could be about to deliver a knockout punch if Four Four Two are to be believed. The outlet have claimed that Pep Guardiola has set his sights on acquiring the highly-rated United starlet.

“FourFourTwo understands City are chasing promising United academy star Kobbie Mainoo. Losing him to City would be a huge loss – though luckily he does have a long-term contract.

City want Mainoo, United relaxed

Mainoo’s current deal is valid until 2027 and his current market value stands at €800k. United value him a lot more and are unlikely to agree to a sale anytime soon.

The Manchester Evening News have claimed that City have had eyes for Mainoo since he was nine but the midfielder always wanted to play for the Red Devils and that is unlikely to change.

“The Manchester Evening News understands Mainoo chose to join United’s academy and although City have attempted to lure him away at ages when it would have been possible, he’s chosen to stay each time.”

Mainoo is certainly the next top product to emerge from the famed United academy and if things fall in place, he could enjoy a long and fruitful stint in the first team and hopefully inspire the club to more silverware.

The post Man City want Kobbie Mainoo, Man United confident of retaining next top star appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Read the detailed match report of all the action here.

(A score of 6 is around average)

Elyh Harrison – 6 – Saved the easy shots and wasn’t really at fault for any of the goals conceded, although could have possibly got a better dive on Salford’s second goal. As composed as ever with passing the ball out from the back.

James Nolan – 6 – Involved in some good passing down the wing but was loose with possession too often. Showed good maturity under pressure with a clever ability to draw a foul though.

Willy Kambwala – 5 – A mixed bag of a performance, he swept up with a couple of very important interceptions but you can’t look past his involvement in Salford’s first two goals. Backed off far too much allowing them to run unopposed to the edge of the box twice in the span of five minutes and he was punished both times.

Rhys Bennett – 7.5 – Another good performance from Bennett, he was particularly good on the ball when working out of the press. Showed a good range of passing and dribbling to kickstart attacks. Defensively he was also solid with a number of good interceptions and clearances. Conceded the penalty for Salford’s winner but it looked harsh and was just normal contact expected when challenging for a cross.

Sam Murray – 6.5 – Nothing spectacular but provided an outlet down the left wing and largely kept it simple.

Toby Collyer – 6.5 – Kept the ball ticking over in midfield and did well breaking up play with six tackles, but his errant pass did lead to one of Salford’s goals.

Dan Gore – 7.5 – Central to United’s play going forward which was sensational at times. Picked out forward and incisive passes while rarely ever losing possession and it seemed the only way to stop him was by fouling him. Could have also arguably earned a penalty but for Shoretire immediately finishing the move with a goal.

Kobbie Mainoo – 8 – Started off the match with a great through ball and then another line breaking pass from deep which looked to set him apart from the rest. Ended up with two assists and could have possibly earned a penalty. Only possible criticism was that he spent too many spells in peripheral wide areas which lessened his impact.

Omari Forson – 8 – A very silky performance, he was exceptional in the tight central areas outside Salford’s box in keeping possession and evading tackles. Was rewarded with a goal for his efforts with the help of a deflection.

Joe Hugill – 5 – Just didn’t get involved and was largely a non-entity, not managing to get a single shot off in 90 minutes.

Shola Shoretire – 8.5 – Two goals and a fabulous performance all around, he was incisive in the opposition box and involved in much of United’s good play. Also worked hard going backwards and made a number of tackles.

Substitutes

Ethan Ennis – 6 – Provided energy and directness on the wing after his introduction although the final quality was missing. Conceded the first penalty with a handball but it is harsh to blame him for it.

Tom Huddlestone – N/A – Came on in the dying stages and didn’t make much of an impression.

Mateo Mejia – N/A – Not on for long enough.

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The home side continued some familiar faces for United youth followers with former u21s manager Neil Wood leading the charge for the Class of 92 club and on the pitch Kelly N’Mai and Jacob Lara have both appeared in the red of United in the past year on trials.

Both sides exchanged corners early on but it was United who took advantage when Willy Kambwala’s header was spilled, allowing Kobbie Mainoo to flick to Shola Shoretire to dispatch through the crowd to give United an early lead.

United were producing some enigmatic football in the middle of the park which Salford couldn’t keep up with, drawing a number of fouls at the edge of the box but United could not capitalise.

In the 24th minute, Salford hit on the counter against the run of play to level the score with Willy Kambwala backing off from Conor McAleny until the forward struck from 25 yards into the bottom right corner.

Just three minutes later and it was an episode of deja vu. A sloppy pass from Toby Collyer in the midfield kickstarted the counter for Salford and again Kambwala was left jockeying too far back, allowing a clear run for Matty Lund to the edge of the box to place into the bottom right corner again to give Salford the lead.

United continued to dominate possession for the rest of the half but were unable to equalise before the break.

The young Reds came out after the restart on fire though and pulled it level within a minute. Fabulous hold up play from Mainoo at the edge of the box allowed the midfielder to turn and lay off to Omari Forson who’s shot was deflected past the keeper.

A minute later, Mainoo weaved through the Salford backline before being taken down in the box but his protests were waved away as Shoretire’s low placed effort was parried out of danger by the Salford keeper.

United then retook the lead in the 51st minute as Dan Gore was taken out while taking the ball on the turn inside the box but it didn’t matter as Shoretire was on hand to strike home with his weaker foot.

United continued to dominate proceedings into the closing stages with Gore, Mainoo, Shoretire, and Forson combining throughout with fluid attractive football but they could not extend their lead.

The youngsters would rue their lack of killer instinct in the 86th minute, when Salford were awarded a penalty after a cross cannoned off the hand of Ethan Ennis. Lund dispatched to draw it all level.

Into the dying minutes of injury time, Salford were awarded another soft penalty when Rhys Bennett challenged for a cross in the centre of the box and was adjudged to have fouled the Salford attacker. Lund stepped up to score again to complete his hattrick and earn the home side a 4-3 win.

A disappointing end to what was a fabulous night of football, unfortunately the result sees United crash out of the EFL Trophy at the group stage.

United: Harrison, Nolan, Kambwala, Bennett, Murray (Mejia 88), Collyer (Ennis 67), Gore, Mainoo, Forson (Huddlestone 82), Hugill, Shoretire

Unused subs: Wooster, Aljofree, Hansen-Aaroen, Mather

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It was on display again during the Manchester derby against Manchester City as none of the players stood up when the chips went down as the team crashed to yet another disappointing defeat.

Last season’s top goalscorer Marcus Rashford has looked like a shadow of his former self and has managed a solitary goal this season as he looks completely devoid of confidence.

He had a good chance to score in the second half but fluffed his lines, typical of his displays this season. However, former United star Anthony Elanga, who is currently at Nottingham Forest, has backed his fellow United academy graduate to come good.

Elanga names Rashford as best player he has played with

He also revealed that Rashford was someone who was an inspiration for those coming through the club’s academy and that he has all the attributes required to become a world-beater.

The Swede played with Cristiano Ronaldo during his second spell at the club and while he did learn from the legendary Portuguese, he still feels the Mancunian is the best player he has ever played with.

“I have learned from arguably the best player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo, I have learned from Bruno Fernandes, Raphael Varane, Casemiro, I can go through the whole team because they are all world-class players not just what they do on the pitch but off the pitch as well with their discipline and how they look after themselves.

“I have to say Marcus Rashford is the best I have played with. He has got everything, speed, skill, shot, and finishing, the way he played last season was amazing. Off the field he is top, he helped me a lot coming through,” Elanga told The Daily Mail.

One player who completely changed the trajectory of United’s season last term was Casemiro but the Brazilian’s style of play is hampering his team now.

Whether it is something manager Erik ten Hag has asked of him is not known, but the former Real Madrid star seems to be more intent on the attacking side of his game which is leaving far too much space for the opposition to exploit.

His replacement Sofyan Amrabat has fared little better with the Moroccan looking like he is unlikely to earn a permanent contract at the end of his loan spell.

Prior to the start of the season, the manager had spoken highly of academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo who had made his debut under the Dutchman last season.

Mainoo tipped for the top by Elanga

He was part of United’s pre-season tour and it seemed like the manager had big plans for him before his unfortunate injury against Real Madrid.

He is nearing a return, having played for the reserves and was also part of the United squad for the derby. Elanga feels the midfielder could be the next big star to come out of the academy and could reach the top.

United fans also have high hopes for the academy graduate who has been likened to former United man Paul Pogba by the Sweden international.

“Kobbie Mainoo [is the next big academy star]. He is one of the guys that I still speak to at United and I believe he is the next top one, his talent is unreal.

“He has got everything and I just hope United can look after him really well and let him flourish. He is a top player.

“When I played with him in the academy I always thought he had similar attributes to Paul Pogba. They are not the same player but just the way he moves and they can both do everything, defensive, offensive, he has a mixture of everything and is really good on and off the ball.”

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Mainoo was United’s outstanding breakout star of pre-season and was expected to play a vital role in Erik ten Hag’s plans this term.

However, the midfielder’s progress was halted when he sustained an ankle injury during a friendly clash vs. Real Madrid on July 26.

After a period on the sidelines undergoing recovery, Mainoo featured for the Under-19s against F.C. Copenhagen at Leigh Sports Village on Tuesday.

Seemingly unable to complete an entire game just yet, Mainoo only played for 45 minutes. He looked sharp and was superb.

An update on the 18-year-old’s fitness was recently provided and his re-integration into the Ten Hag’s starting XI is said to be “on the horizon.”

The Manchester Evening News reveals that the Red Devils are “looking to slowly build up Kobbie Mainoo’s minutes” to ensure he remains in top condition for the rest of the campaign.

Academy boss Travis Binnion told MUTV about the promising midfield talent, “It’s important that he gets those minutes and he’ll feel a lot more confident after that.”

“I don’t know what’s in store for him over the next few weeks, but he’s going to try to keep building up now and hopefully get in and around that first-team squad and have an impact there.”

Binnion stressed, “Great credit to Kobbie, Willy and Dan, as the sort of senior players today.”

Going by Binnion’s admission, it’s unlikely that Mainoo will be involved against Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Instead, more minutes for the player when the U21s face Fulham on Friday evening could be a more realistic proposition.

The post Manchester United reveal their plan for Kobbie Mainoo’s return to action after injury appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Mainoo was United’s breakout star of pre-season but received a blow when he picked up an injury during a friendly game vs. Real Madrid.

He returned to training during the October international break. During his presser before the Sheffield United match, Ten Hag told reporters that the Englishman was not fit enough to feature at Bramall Lane, although he was nearing a return to action.

Manchester Evening News have provided an update on Mainoo and indicated that he could be available for selection to face FC Copenhagen.

“Mainoo’s return to the United line-up is on the horizon after the young midfielder featured in training. There had been hope he would feature against the Blades but he was not a member of the squad,” the outlet says.

Another player expected to be included in the starting XI is Sergio Reguilon.

Unlike Mainoo, the Spaniard was a surprise exclusion from the matchday squad that travelled to face Paul Heckingbottom’s men on Saturday.

MEN states on Reguilon, “The issue with the on-loan Tottenham Hotspur defender is not thought to be serious and he should be making a return to the line-up shortly after a good start at Old Trafford.”

Against the Blades, Jonny Evans formed a solid centre-back partnership with Harry Maguire in the absence of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane who was on the bench, seemingly not yet fully fit after a brief period on the sidelines.

There were concerns when Evans – who has started well at United during his second spell – went down and had to be replaced by Varane.

However, it’s understood that he was only substituted as a precaution and it was nothing serious.

The North Ireland international should be good to play in the Champions League this week as United look to get out of their group and proceed to the next round of the competition.

Ten Hag will not be able to count on the services of Casemiro who is still in Brazil recovering from a physical setback sustained during the international break.

In any case, the 31-year-old was suspended after being red-carded against Galatasaray.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw remain long-term absentees.

Wan-Bissaka who suffered a hamstring injury could return in November, with Shaw a little bit further away from making a comeback.

As per MEN, there is a real possibility that Martinez has played his last game of the year, with January 2024 looking like a realistic return period for the World Cup winner.

With respect to Amad Diallo, “The young winger has been posting updates on his social media channels documenting his progress. He has been training which suggests a return may not be far off but a time frame has not been revealed yet.”

The post Kobbie Mainoo’s return to Man United line-up “on the horizon” ahead of FC Copenhagen clash appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Mainoo was undoubtedly United’s breakout star of pre-season before he sustained an unfortunate ankle injury during United’s clash against Real Madrid that has kept him out since late July.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person revealed that Mainoo played in a behind-closed-door friendly against Barnsley during the international break.

It was relayed that he “looked sharp.”

Ahead of his side’s game vs. Sheffield at Bramall Lane, Ten Hag was asked about Mainoo’s availability. He said, “He [Mainoo] is close. He’s already training with us. Not today, but I think next week he will have some minutes in the team so then he can catch up his game minutes. And so yeah, he’s really improving and ready to get back in the squad for games.”

The United boss gave further injury updates on the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Shaw.

He explained that Wan-Bissaka is not far from coming back into the team but Shaw is likely to be unavailable in the upcoming “block of games,” – possibly suggesting that the English left-back may not recover before the November international break.

Ten Hag added, “If you can’t use, every time, the same players, you can’t bring in the routines. Some routines slipped away in the last weeks and, yeah, that had a bad effect on the results.”

“I never use it as an excuse. We still have a good squad, we still have to win.”

On Casemiro, the Dutch coach mentioned that the Brazil international suffered a “small injury” while playing for the Selecao, but confirmed it’s nothing serious and the 31-year-old is on track to feature in the next Premier League clash against Manchester City at Old Trafford on October 29.

When put to task about whether he was unhappy Casemiro was selected in Brazil’s starting XI to face Uruguay while there were major doubts about his fitness, Ten Hag remarked, “You can’t be. That is the rule. He’s playing for a nation and he’s playing for us. And we all understand that Casemiro is a soldier and he is available for every game. So he will always give his best, for his nation and for Manchester United.”

Another matter that came to the fore during Ten Hag’s presser was the ongoing partial investment of Sir Jim Ratcliffe into the club.

Ten Hag pointed out that United co-chairman Joel Glazer has so far kept him in the dark about the ongoing process.

The post “He is close”: Erik ten Hag gives Kobbie Mainoo injury update and reveals return date appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Previous reports had indicated the midfielder would not take part in the match as he continued his rehabilitation from injury.

Mainoo suffered an unfortunate ankle injury during Manchester United’s pre-season tour of the USA, which ruled him out for the first portion of the year.

The 18-year-old had appeared to win the trust of Erik ten Hag this summer, who rewarded Mainoo for his performances in training with the starting berth as United’s defensive midfielder in a friendly against Arsenal. 

The youngster grabbed the opportunity with both hands, delivering an impressive performance and demonstrating maturity and intelligence on the ball which belied his years. Mainoo was comfortably the best midfielder on a pitch containing Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice. Quite the statement.

He was then entrusted to maintain his position five days later against Real Madrid, alongside the majority of Ten Hag’s first-choice players. The cruel hand of fate struck, however, only two minutes into Mainoo’s dream moment.

An unfortunate collision with Rodrygo left the United midfielder crumpled on the floor, clutching his ankle in pain. Mainoo was forced off the field and left the stadium on crutches. Reports confirmed the severity of the injury a few days later.

United fans – impressed with Mainoo’s performance in America – have been keenly awaiting his return to first-team action ever since. Based on his side’s start to the season, so too has Ten Hag.

It was reported at the beginning of the month that Mainoo had resumed first-team training, but that it would take time for him to get fully up to speed. Which is why the news he was able to play against Barnsley is so promising.

Laurie Whitwell (The Athletic) reports Mainoo “looked sharp” in the friendly, which saw United run out comfortable 3-0 winners. It’s an exciting update to hear the midfielder is not only fit but looking in form as well.

While it is unfair to place too high a level of expectation on an 18-year-old with only ten minutes of Premier League experience, it speaks to both Mainoo’s quality and profile as a midfielder, as well as United’s ongoing midfield issues, that his return is seen as such a boost.

Mainoo’s potent pairing of physicality and technical ability, in conjunction with his comfortability on the ball from deep, offers the exact selection of attributes United’s midfield unit has lacked this season.

Reports from Carrington indicate the midfielder has trained with the first team ahead of this weekend’s trip to Bramall Lane, with every expectation that Mainoo will make the match-day squad.

Hopefully, he can provide the level of inventiveness seen below.

Kobbie pic.twitter.com/OZTmIQRld0

— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) October 20, 2023

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