Manchester United injury blow could give fans what they want sooner than expected

Manchester United seem incapable of catching a break from the injury woes that plague the club at present.

On the eve of the Premier League's return, Erik ten Hag broke the news of Mason Mount's latest setback. The extent of the problem is not known as of yet but reports have suggested the ex-Chelsea man has suffered a calf complaint that could keep him out for a month.

If this is the case, it could not have come at a worse time as United gear up for a hectic and pivotal run of fixtures. Over the next week, the Reds will travel to Everton, Galatasaray and Newcastle - three fixtures that could determine the course of this season.

READ MORE: United confirm Mount injury concern

READ MORE: United injury news and return dates

Midfield is one of the last areas United could afford to suffer an injury with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen already sidelined for a considerable length of time. While Ten Hag does still have Sofyan Amrabat, Scott McTominay, Hannibal Mejbri and Bruno Fernandes at his disposal, the Dutchman will need further bodies if he wishes to keep those who remain fit.

Fortunately for United fans, this could mean an acceleration of Kobbie Mainoo's move into the first team. The 2023/24 season had been earmarked as the breakout campaign for the talented teenager.

However, an unfortunate injury against Real Madrid in pre-season meant the midfielder had to spend the first portion of the campaign on the sidelines. Now he has recovered, Mainoo has been eased back into the set-up.

So far he has been an unused substitute. It seemed natural for the next step to be a cameo from the bench.

But with options starting to be stretched in central midfield, Ten Hag may have no other choice but to throw Mainoo in at the deep end