Erik ten Hag has admitted “concerns” after Kobbie Mainoo was forced off during Manchester United’s dismal defeat by Tottenham.
The England midfielder headed straight down the tunnel shortly before half-time in Sunday’s galling 3-0 Premier League loss at Old Trafford, a significant double blow for United after captain Bruno Fernandes had been controversially sent off shortly before for a challenge on James Maddison.
After some initial confusion with the substitution that briefly left the Red Devils defending with only nine men, Mainoo was eventually replaced by Mason Mount, who only returned from a calf injury during Wednesday night’s disappointing home Europa League draw with FC Twente.
However, Mount also went off during the latter stages against Tottenham with blood pouring from a wound sustained during an accidental clash of heads with Spurs defender Radu Dragusin.
United can ill afford many more midfield setbacks with Fernandes now banned, with the likes of defenders Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia still out, while Harry Maguire was also ruled out of Sunday’s abysmal defeat to Spurs after starting against Twente.
United have two difficult away trips to come this week ahead of the October international break, with Thursday’s visit to Portuguese giants Porto in the Europa League followed by a tough battle with high-flying Aston Villa next weekend.
Asked for an update on Mainoo and Mount after the game against Tottenham, under-fire United boss Ten Hag said he was unsure on their status but admitted it was concerning to see the former head off so early.
"I can't say in this moment,” he told MUTV. “I have to find out but, of course, when a player is coming off before half-time already, then there are some concerns.
"Also, I have seen how Mason came off. He was bleeding so it's clear there are some problems there and we have to see how they recover in the coming days."
