Ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Leicester City, much of the pre-match discussion had intially centred around a potential return of Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo.

The jewell in Carrington’s crown has missed the last seven games in all competitions due to a muscle injury he picked up during the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa in early-October.

Understandably, Ruud van Nistelrooy had hoped to call upon Kobbie Mainoo’s talents during his short but sweet spell in interim charge of Manchester United.

But, as the Red Devils prepare to welcome Leicester to Old Trafford for the second time in the Dutchman’s brief tenure, it appears that Mainoo will once again be restricted to a watching brief.

Speaking at his Friday press conference, Van Nistelrooy admitted that Mainoo is not yet ready to start training with the rest of the Man United first-team, let alone return to the pitch.

There was, however, more positive news regarding the fitness of Amad Diallo.

Ruud van Nistelrooy gives Manchester United injury update

Van Nistelrooy labelled Amad ‘incredible’ after Man United beat PAOK thanks to his well-taken second-half brace in the Europa League on Thursday night.

The winger limped off late on after taking a knock to his ankle against the Greek champions, though it is not out of the question that Amad is passed fit to start a second successive game this weekend.

“Amad was assessed. We are still working on him to get him ready for Sunday, so hopefully it will work,” Van Nistelrooy reveals. “And Kobbie is also progressing with his injury. He isn’t yet with the team, though.

“He needs more time.”

While the Erik ten Hag era ended amid growing concerns over another potential injury crisis, Ruben Amorim will arrive at Old Trafford on November 11th with the treatment room relatively bare.

In midweek, Van Nistelrooy confirmed Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Tyrell Malacia are making progress. Man United announced via their official website earlier on Friday, meanwhile, that Luke Shaw has taken a big step forward in an attempted return of his own.

Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount are also back in contention. The midfield duo made cameo appearances off the bench as Man United finally got three Europa League points on the board against PAOK.

Luke Shaw boost as Mason Mount returns for United

“We had a lot of benefit from Christian playing 30 minutes, with [Manuel] Ugarte and Mason making his first minutes again. So glad they are back,” Van Nistelrooy adds.

“And for a little bit of a longer future, that Luke and Leny are on the [training] pitch.”

Man United have already beaten Leicester in the post-Ten Hag era.

Casemiro’s ‘unbelievable’ long-range strike set United on their way in the EFL Cup, with Bruno Fernandes hitting a brace of his own alongside a tidy Alejandro Garnacho finish as Steve Cooper’s team were vanquished 5-2 on the night.

“I think I’m so focused on getting the best out of the players, working together with the staff members getting United back on track that,” smiles Van Nistelrooy, who will be hoping to hand over to Amorim with a 75 per cent win rate to show for his efforts.

“I have learned a lot from being there, with other coaches and the players. So the knowledge of training sessions, managing individuals and teams, it’s something that has helped me as a coach.”

Related Posts