Manchester United dealt double injury blow as key duo forced to withdraw from national team squads: Reports
Manchester United have suffered another blow with news of two of their key players getting injured. Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and defender Noussair Mazraoui have been forced to pull out of international duty due to injuries.
Manchester United's midfield starlet established himself as an important member of the English squad last season. Mainoo was included in the Three Lions' squad for Euros 2024.
After starting the group stage matches from the bench, Mainoo started all of the knockout matches as Gareth Southgate's side reached the final of the tournament. He was called up to the Three Lions' squad for the October international break but has had to withdraw due to injury.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news of Mainoo's injury on his social media account. He posted:
"Kobbie Mainoo has withdrawn from the England squad due to injury. Morgan Gibbs-White and Ezri Konsa will also miss the upcoming games."
Romano had earlier relayed the news of Youssef Belammari replacing Manchester United full-back Noussair Mazraoui in the Morocco squad.
Mazraoui was withdrawn at half-time alongside Harry Maguire in Manchester United's goalless draw at Villa Park. Erik ten Hag confirmed the injury to his defensive duo after the match, but refused to put a timeline on their return. He told the BBC after the goalless draw:
"We have to take them off at half-time. Tomorrow we have to see what is the diagnosis on it."
The Moroccan defender has played in every match for the Red Devils since signing for the club from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the summer.
"We are all on board together" - Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will be hoping the injuries to his players aren't too serious as he faces mounting pressure in the Old Trafford dugout.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the 0-0 draw against Villa, Ten Hag claimed that he has the support of the management and defended his side's performances so far this season.
"We always speak, every week we speak. We are all on board together, on one page, we know what we are working through it's a long-term process," the former Ajax manager said.
"We create loads of chances in our seven games but we have to step up. We have to take into consideration Hojlund is returning, he's still coming up to full fitness. But others are stepping up. I was impressed from Rashford, also Garnacho is so good, and Antony at the end," he added.
Ten Hag's future with the 20-time English champions is up in the air after the club made their worst ever start to a Premier League campaign, winning just two of their opening seven matches.