Man Utd injury boost as Kobbie Mainoo travels for Porto clash… and takes Call of Duty gaming case with him
Two Red Devils' midfielders get all-clear for Thursday's crucial tie in Portugal
KOBBIE MAINOO gave Manchester United the massive fitness boost they most wanted for Thursday’s Europa League clash at Porto.
The midfielder ranted at team-mates after being taken off in Sunday’s 3-0 home loss against Spurs with a suspected hamstring injury.
But scans revealed the England star’s problem was less severe than feared.
Mainoo, 19, is now shooting off to Portugal with the rest of United‘s squad – carrying a sizeable and personalised Call of Duty gaming case with him.
The anchorman’s unusual luggage stood out amongst the travel bags and light suitcases of his team-mates.
Mainoo’s love for video games echoes that of Red Devils’ super-supporter Luke Littler.
The Nuke, 17, is often seen playing the latest versions, with fans even joking he dropped out of last month’s Hungarian Darts trophy to focus on EA FC 25.
United fans will hope Mainoo is on the case as much as Littler has been in recent weeks.
That’s because boss Erik Ten Hag’s job is on the line with two testing trips in three days.
After Thursday’s tie, mid-table United visit fifth-placed Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
Mainoo’s all-clear comes after he had to be taken off just before half-time last weekend.
The 10-cap ace trudged off, and was seen remonstrating with United subs Casemiro and Antony.
United even messed up Mainoo’s substitution, with play resuming before Mason Mount could come on for him.
Mount was then himself replaced by Amad Diallo after a nasty cut to his head that needed stitches.
The former Chelsea playmaker sat out training early this week as a precaution.
But Mount too has now been declared fit to play as tests confirmed he had not suffered a concussion.
Man Utd ratings vs Tottenham
MANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.
After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.
However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.
And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.
Andre Onana – 5
Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.
Matthijs de Ligt – 4
Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.
Manuel Ugarte – 5
Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5
Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.
Bruno Fernandes – 4
Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.
Subs:
Mount (for Mainoo 45) 5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5.