MANCHESTER UNITED rising star Kobbie Mainoo has been ruled out for the "first part" of the season in a huge blow.
And that looks set to force Erik ten Hag to go back into the transfer market for another midfielder.
Stockport youngster Mainoo, 18, suffered an ankle injury against Real Madrid in pre-season.
The promising midfielder clashed with Rodrygo just three minutes into the friendly and he was later spotted on crutches and in a protective boot.
And it is bad news for the teenager as he has been sidelined just as he was beginning to break into Ten Hag's first team at Old Trafford after impressing in pre-season.
United confirmed Mainoo is "expected to be ruled out for the first part of the 2023-24 season".
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A statement added: "He has flown home from Tour to the UK where further assessment of his injury will take place before a medical decision on the next steps."
England youth international Mainoo took to Instagram following the devastating news as he vowed to bounce back better.
The academy graduate, who joined United aged nine and has made three competitive first-team appearances, wrote to his 386,000 followers: "I’ll be back stronger and in no time. Thanks for your messages of support."
Team-mates including captain Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, Casemiro, Fred, Antony and Lisandro Martinez flooded the comments with messages of support.
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The injury news also means Ten Hag will now step up his search for an extra addition to bolster his options before the transfer window closes.
Sofyan Amrabat was already a priority on the United transfer wishlist.
And now the club are reportedly set to step up their pursuit of the Fiorentina and Morocco star.
Rivals Liverpool were also interested in Amrabat.
However, reports this week claimed the Red Devils were his preferred option.
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And United are said to have submitted a £21.5million bid for the 26-year-old, who shone at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
However, Italian side Fiorentina want around £26m for their in-demand star.
United are also hoping to secure a transfer deal with Atalanta's Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund.
The 20-year-old has an £86m price tag from the Serie A side but the Red Devils have offered £51m – and won't go above £60m as they hope to negotiate a deal.
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Harry Maguire and Fred could both be set for transfer exits away from Old Trafford.
The Brazilian midfielder has reportedly agreed personal terms with Galatasaray while West Ham saw a £20m opening bid for Maguire rejected.
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