Kobbie Mainoo has already earned Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag's trust despite injury

Manchester United supporters cursed their luck in the early hours of Thursday morning when they witnessed Kobbie Mainoo pick up what looked to be a serious injury against Real Madrid.

On another day, Rodrygo's fall onto the teenager would not have caused the damage it did, yet sadly for the Stockport-born youngster his worse fears were realised on Saturday. While United confirmed Mainoo would be out for the first part of the season, MEN Sport understands the Reds fear it could be as long as two months before we see the talented youngster on the pitch again.

It is galling news for a player who was showing signs of his potential in the US. Immediately after the game in Houston, Ten Hag said 'chances will come' for the midfielder in the future but this is an immediate test for Mainoo.

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After his first competitive start for United against Charlton Athletic in the League Cup, Academy director Nick Cox outlined exactly why Mainoo should trust his opportunity will not pass him by. He explained: "[We are] always delighted when a young boy makes a debut, particularly when they start a game.

"It’s very different coming off the bench than starting a game, so he’s had to earn that [against Charlton].

"The manager [Ten Hag] doesn’t do favours. You play in the team if you’re good enough. You don’t get special treatment because you’re a young lad who’s come through the system, you’ve got to earn it. He’s done that and that’s great."

The transfer window is in full swing and United have already got their hands on two players, with