'Perfect midfielder' Kobbie Mainoo Man United injury concern and contract latest

It’s been some year for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo this time last year, he had made just three first-team appearances for the club, with only one coming in the Premier League - as a second-half substitute against Leicester City in February 2023.

Fast-forward one year, he has made 44 appearances for the club, scoring five goals. He also established himself as a regular in the England starting line-up, starting all of the nation's knockout games on the road to the Euro 2024 final.

He has started every league game for United so far this season and has established himself as a key cog in the system. His performance in the 2-1 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final at the end of the season is probably a standout moment.

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At just 19 years old, there is big hope for what the midfielder can achieve, both with United and with England in the coming years. As the Three Lions return to action on Sunday, he’s a player who will be missed by the national team as they take on Finland in the Nations League.

Here’s a look at why he’s not available for England, as well as the latest update on his long-term future at Old Trafford.

England withdrawal

The midfielder was due to be with England for the international break, but withdrew at the start of the week due to injury. It comes at a time when the defeat against Greece led to calls for a second defensive midfielder to play alongside Jordan Henderson after Lee Carsley’s failed experiment of playing without a recognised number nine.

Mainoo was back in action for United last weekend, playing 85 minutes of the game against Aston Villa after missing the Europa League clash against Porto with a suspected hamstring injury. It remains to be seen if he will be available for the Premier League clash against Brentford when the Premier League returns

New contract latest

As well as his injury, the talk around Mainoo this week has been surrounding a new contract at Old Trafford. The Manchester Evening News understands that an agreement over a new deal is close, with talks taking place since back in March.

Mainoo only signed a long-term deal back in February last year, but will now be awarded for his performances with increased terms. Over the last 12 months he has made a huge impact in what has been his breakthrough year.

What has been said

Speaking last month, United boss Ten Hag outlined how his experiences on both the domestic and international stage can help Mainoo become the ‘perfect midfielder’. “He collected such good experiences [at the Euros] and those experiences will help him to become a better player, 100 per cent,” he said.

“Where do I see him? The perfect midfielder is one who is very good in attacking, very good in defending. He’s a player who can do that.

“He can play as an attacking midfielder and also as a holding midfielder. We have to see from situation to situation and occasion to occasion who is available, the opponents, where we can hurt the opponent or take some strength from the opponent, where we use the players.

“So with Kobbie, we can use him as an attacking midfield or a holding midfielder. In approaching games, this is what’s needed."

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