Cobby Maine strike complicates Scott McTominay departure as Manchester United close on Rasmus Hoylund

Looks like Kobby Mainu will be an important part of Erik ten Hag's plans for the upcoming season. Credit: Getty Images/Matthew Peters

Manchester United midfielder Cobby Mainu is out of action for the first part of next season following a brutal setback that could have repercussions for Scott McTominay's future.

Mainou flew home from the US pre-season tour after suffering a serious ankle injury during a collision in a 2-0 win against Real Madrid in Houston early Thursday morning.

Rodrigo landed on Main's ankle after the striker « Real Madrid lost his balance after a foul by Casemiro and flew towards the young United midfielder.

Mainu, 18, will undergo additional tests in the coming days before a decision is made. takes on how best to treat the injury.

But early speculation is that he will have about two months out of the game, although this may change. United have confirmed in a statement that Mainu is expected to be ruled out «in the first part» of the new season.

It's a bitter blow for Mainu, who seemed set to play a major role in Erik ten Hag's first-team plans after starting friendlies against Arsenal and Real Madrid ahead of more senior midfielders.

Kobby Mainu impressed at Manchester United's pre-season tour ahead of his injury against Real Madrid. Photo: Getty Images/Matthew Peters

United are looking to sell off-tour Fred and Donny van de Beek, but Maina's injury could force reconsideration of McTominay, who is wanted by West Ham.

Ten Haag is open. to the sale of McTominay if an offer of around £45m comes in, but the loss of Mainoo plus the prospect of several sales could see the United manager stay in midfield and he will now have to decide if he can realistically lose the Scottish team. .

Ten Hag is interested in Sofyan Amrabat, but a move for the Fiorentina and Morocco midfielder would be more likely if McTominay is sold.

United can still get a lot of cash from selling other players before the window closes, but Mainu's injury has potentially put an end to his job in midfield.

Man United's teammates have rallied around the youngster. Captain Bruno Fernandes, midfielders Casemiro, Fred and Van de Beek, wingers Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony, and defender Lisandro Martinez posted messages of support on Instagram. Mainu wrote: “I will come back stronger and in no time. Thank you for your messages of support.”

United's more urgent transfer priority is to secure a deal with Atalanta for Rasmus Hoylund. The Danish striker has been left out of Bournemouth's team on Saturday to avoid the risk of injury complicating discussions as the two clubs seek to reach a compromise on fee and fee structure.

Ten Hag hope to get Høilund before kick-off the new season of the Premier League, and «United» should meet «Wolverhampton» on 14 August.