Michael Carrick has explained why Kobbie Mainoo is not involved in the Manchester United squad for Monday night's match against Leeds United at Old Trafford.
The midfielder, who turns 21 on Sunday, had previously started all 10 Premier League games under the head coach and was part of the squad which went to Ireland for a training camp.
But the England international picked up a knock in training late in the week, which the boss has said came too close to the Premier League encounter against the Whites to risk being involved.
Manuel Ugarte has come in to partner Casemiro in midfield, in one of four changes Carrick has made to his side from the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth in our last game, 24 days ago.
“Over the last day or so, Kobbie just had an issue in training,”
Michael told Sky Sports, when asked about Kobbie’s absence.
“So it seems small but big enough to keep him out tonight. It wasn't worth the risk, to be honest, so we're hoping it's pretty small and it won't be too long.
“Manu comes in tonight. He came on and did well for us in the last game at Bournemouth and went away and played well for Uruguay so he's well up to speed.
”He's been great in training and done great all the way through really and part of what we've done, even though it's not obvious because Kobbie and Case have played a lot. So yeah, comes in tonight, big opportunity for him to show himself and we deal with Kobbie being out.“
The boss had confirmed in his pre-match press conference that talks over a new deal with Kobbie are progressing well and he remains hopeful that our homegrown hero will sign a new deal before the end of the campaign.
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