Kobbie Mainoo is back! Man Utd wonderkid finally makes return after crushing injury blow during pre-season defeat to Real Madrid in the U.S.

• Man Utd wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo back from injury
• Suffered ankle injury during pre-season against Real Madrid
• Played for 45 minutes in a UEFA Youth League clash

WHAT HAPPENED? The 18-year-old sustained an ankle injury after he collided with Rodrygo during a pre-season friendly between United and Real Madrid. He had to leave the pitch within three minutes of kick-off and the club later confirmed that he was ruled out of action for the first stage of the 2023/24 season.

On Tuesday, the midfielder made a return as he started for the Red Devils' U19 side against FC Copenhagen in a UEFA Youth League clash. Mainoo played for 45 minutes before being taken off at half time.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Last week, Erik ten Hag had confirmed that the youngster was on his way to recovery and had started training with the club. The Dutch manager will now monitor his progress before bringing him back to the first team setup.

IN TWO PHOTOS:

Getty Images

Getty Images

WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD? The senior team is set to face the same opponents as their youth side in a Champions League group stage clash on Tuesday.