Manchester United have enjoyed a sparkling run of form since December, losing just once in 14 matches and Erik ten Hag looks like he could be bringing back the feel-good factor to Old Trafford.
How long is Christian Eriksen out for?
Despite this good run of form, the recent injury to Christian Eriksen is a blow that could dampen Ten Hag’s otherwise confident mood, with the Dane performing well since joining the club last summer.
The 30-year-old playmaker is set for a three-month stint on the sidelines after suffering a serious ankle injury from Andy Carroll’s reckless lunge on him during the Red Devils’ 3-1 victory over Reading in the FA Cup at the end of January.
Can Kobbie Mainoo replace Eriksen at Man United?
The Red Devils proceeded to sign Marcel Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich to cover Eriksen’s absence, however, the Dutchman may well ease the blow by unleashing a young talent from the academy who has the potential to eventually secure a regular first-team slot – Kobbie Mainoo.
The 17-year-old starlet has recently signed a new long-term contract with United, suggesting there is a clear pathway to the first team for the talented youngster, although that may come sooner rather than later.
He joined the club aged nine and has made steady progress through the age levels before getting his big chance under Ten Hag this season.
The young box-to-box midfielder has been named on the bench at various times during the campaign, however, it wasn’t until the League Cup tie against Charlton at the start of the year that he made his debut, before a cameo appearance off the bench against Reading in the FA Cup two weeks ago.
Analyst Statman Dave was “impressed” by his performance in the FA Cup, while journalist Samuel Luckhurst dubbed the youngster as “dominant” last year and he was part of the team that won the FA Youth Cup for the first time since 2011 with a 3-1 victory in the final over Nottingham Forest.
Alejandro Garnacho stole the show by scoring twice, although Mainoo played an integral part in the middle of the United midfield, keeping everything together and dictating the play and this led journalist Rhys Jones to declare the pair as the “future” of Man United.
Six goals and four assists from a midfield berth during his time at U18 and U21 level is certainly encouraging and Eriksen’s injury woes could be a blessing in disguise for the Dutchman, who may have no choice but to turn to youth, especially with the fixture congestion that the Old Trafford side face over the coming months.
From Sir Matt Busby to Sir Alex Ferguson, the staple of Man United has been via the youth system and the future certainly looks bright under Ten Hag, which will give Mainoo a major confidence boost.