Revealed: Why Kobbie Mainoo is absent from matchday squad despite travelling to Porto

Kobbie Mainoo is absent from Manchester United’s matchday squad this evening despite travelling with the squad to Portugal yesterday. 

The teenager was withdrawn after 45 minutes during last week’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, seemingly indicating to his teammates that he’d injured his hamstring as he headed straight down the tunnel. 

However, he was then fit enough to get involved with this week’s training sessions, with journalists confirming that Mainoo had been involved as usual in the lead-up to tonight’s Europa League tie against FC Porto – hence his omission raising eyebrows amongst supporters.

Mainoo sidelined for Porto clash

Manchester World has since verified, via sources at United, that the midfielder suffered a ‘minor issue’ in his last outing. In his place, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro make a rare start together in front of the backline. 

Earlier today, Lee Carsley revealed his England squad for the forthcoming Nations League fixtures, unsurprisingly including Mainoo in his 25-man selection. The Carrington graduate is the only United representative this time around, with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire missing out.