Kobbie Mainoo is opening up Manchester United transfer possibility for Erik ten Hag

Kobbie Mainoo’s omission from the squad that took on Wrexham indicates he will get a run out against Real Madrid in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Pre-season or not, that would be a milestone for the teenager, who will have deserved his inclusion. The midfielder has built on his competitive outings with three excellent showings so far this summer.

There is only so much to glean from friendlies but Mainoo was impressive against Leeds and Arsenal. At 18, he has a lot of potential to fulfil and is already showing signs of it.

Erik ten Hag identified it earlier this year and ensured the youngster penned a fresh five-year deal. He’s also made it known that Mainoo will stay on in the senior set-up next season.

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The teenager has made three first-team United appearances in all, his debut coming from the start against Charlton in January’s quarter-final Carabao Cup tie. An FA Cup outing and Premier League debut followed in the weeks after and he picked up the Jimmy Murphy player of the year for his academy breakthrough.

While he did not feature for the senior side after February, partly due to injury, Mainoo has started three summer friendlies, including when the internationals returned against Arsenal. Ten Hag is backing up his new-contract confidence in Mainoo by testing him against senior opposition.

And not only is he stepping up to plate, he could be handing Ten Hag a potential transfer solution. West Ham are interested in Scott McTominay while Fred is being linked with an exit.

It’s unlikely Ten Hag will allow both to leave but