Kobbie Mainoo is poised to make his return to Manchester United’s squad for Sunday’s crucial Old Trafford derby after a two-month absence, according to manager Ruben Amorim.
The talented midfielder has been sidelined since February when he sustained an injury during United’s FA Cup victory over Leicester City.
“I think Kobbie is returning to training, so we will see and assess him for this game. He cannot play a full game,” Amorim confirmed during his pre-match press conference.
While Mainoo’s return provides a significant boost, the manager cautioned that the young midfielder would need to be carefully managed regarding his playing time.
The positive news about Mainoo is tempered by concerns over defender Matthijs de Ligt, who picked up a knock during Tuesday’s disappointing defeat at Nottingham Forest.
“I think Matthijs is an issue, he has something in the game and we have to assess,” Amorim explained, suggesting the Dutch defender’s participation remains uncertain.
Mason Mount made his long-awaited return as a substitute against Forest following a three-and-a-half month absence since being injured in the previous Manchester derby in December.
Amorim emphasized the need for caution with Mount, whose United career has been hampered by persistent fitness issues.
“Let Mason train a lot of times, getting the load in his body… He can start but we have to manage his minutes still,” the manager stated.
Despite the upcoming Europa League quarter-final against Lyon next Thursday, which represents United’s last chance for silverware this season and a potential route back into the Champions League, Amorim insists he won’t rotate his squad for the derby.
“We are going to focus game by game. We want to win this game, we want to improve in the league table and especially we want to win games,” he affirmed.
The derby comes at a critical juncture for United as they look to salvage something from a challenging season under their new manager.
