Manchester United could hint at plan for Amad vs Borussia Dortmund

Manchester United fans must be cursing their luck that their two young stars, Amad and Kobbie Mainoo, have both been on crutches in the past week.

Injuries are part and parcel of football even in pre-season, but to see two of the club's brightest young talents have their chance to make an impression cut short is frustrating to say the least. Amad came on at half-time against Arsenal last weekend but was off before the hour mark, while Mainoo managed just two minutes before being substituted against Real Madrid.

Both were spotted on crutches in the aftermath of their respective issues, but fans at least got some encouragement by the presence of Amad on the bench in Houston on Thursday. The 21-year-old admitted on Sunday that it was 'nothing serious' and his presence in the matchday squad confirmed as much.

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ALSO READ: What Ten Hag is doing behind the scenes to help Mainoo and other United youngsters

What will be less encouraging for supporters is the fact he didn't come on, watching from the dugout as one of three unused substitutes alongside Tom Heaton and Omari Forson. Erik ten Hag would not have put Amad on the bench were he not fit, as happened with Dean Henderson and Anthony Martial, so to keep him there suggests something more than fitness concerns.

The Ivorian enjoyed an excellent season on loan at Sunderland last time out, his 14 goals and three assists helping the Black Cats into the play-offs where they eventually lost to Luton. Such was his form in red and white that fans back home were clamouring for a promotion into the first-team.

Ten Hag vowed to give the young winger a