Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo concerns were spotted at full-time v Bayern, it may explain a lot

Manchester United’s young talent, Kobbie Mainoo, entered the fray for the final 10 minutes against Bayern Munich in the recent clash.

The 18-year-old, tasked with potentially salvaging the situation, showcased a commendable performance despite being unable to reverse the tide. Notably, Mainoo completed 100% of his passes during his brief appearance.

This marked Mainoo’s return to action since the defeat at the hands of Newcastle, having been an unused substitute in the subsequent matches against Chelsea and Bournemouth.

His cameo against Bayern Munich allowed him to make a positive impact, emphasizing his capabilities on the pitch.

A peculiar sight at the end of the match was Mainoo walking off the field at Old Trafford with a visible bandage on his knee.

This is a new development, as there was no sign of such an issue during his earlier appearance against Everton at the end of the previous month.

The bandage on Mainoo’s left knee suggests a recent minor injury, distinct from the ankle issue he suffered in pre-season against Real Madrid.

While primarily for support, the bandage indicates that he is managing a new concern.

This revelation sheds light on the reduced game time for Kobbie Mainoo, who played a more prominent role with three consecutive appearances in late November and early December.

Erik Ten Hag’s decision to use him more sparingly aligns with a cautious approach, given Mainoo’s history of injuries.

The prudent management of Mainoo becomes crucial, considering his extended lay-off following the pre-season injury and the premature end to his 2022/23 season in March due to another injury.

Manchester United’s recent acquisition of Sofyan Amrabat further underscores the club’s commitment to protecting and carefully handling Mainoo to prevent overexertion.