Kobbie Mainoo injury concern addressed as Man Utd cross their fingers at Euro 2024

Teddy Sheringham has dismissed fears about Kobbie Mainoo’s workload ahead of the Manchester United midfielder’s maiden international tournament. Mainoo could play a prominent role in England’s Euro 2024 campaign, which has sparked concerns among some United supporters.

The Red Devils suffered unprecedented injury problems last season, contributing to the club’s worst-ever league finish in the Premier League era.

Before the FA Cup triumph on May 25, Mainoo’s emergence as an important first-team player was the shining light of an otherwise disastrous campaign.

The 19-year-old debuted during Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge after impressing in senior training and later made a strong impression in the build-up to last term.

He featured 32 times in all competitions throughout 2023/24 but had to wait until November for his first run-out following an ill-timed ankle injury against Real Madrid in pre-season.

Mainoo went injury-free for the remainder of the campaign as he established himself as one of the first names on Ten Hag’s teamsheet.

The Stockport-born starlet also caught the attention of Gareth Southgate, who promoted him to his England senior squad in March.

Mainoo shone as a substitute against Brazil and on his first start against Belgium, which, along with his sustained club form, earned him a spot in Southgate’s 26-man Euro 2024 squad.

He started the Three Lions’ 1-0 defeat to Iceland in their final warm-up game and could keep his spot alongside Declan Rice in Sunday’s Group C opener against Serbia.

United’s pre-season commences before the end of Euro 2024, meaning Mainoo might not have the opportunity for much of a break before he reports to Carrington.

And without a full season of first-team football to his name, United fans, while excited, have shared worries about the risk of Mainoo adding to the club’s injury woes.

However, Sheringham has shrugged off suggestions that he could be at risk of overworking himself if he features prominently in Germany.

“No, I don’t think [that United should be concerned with his workload],” Sheringham told Express Sport on behalf of TG Casino.

“I think there’s a lot put on that these days. We used to play so many games back in our day. I know things are changing, but pitches are changing too.

“I don’t think it’ll be a problem at all. His body looks quite secure as a young man. He’s not a skinny one where it might be too much for him. I think he’s maturing nicely.”

Early reports suggest Mainoo could drop out of Southgate’s team for the Euro 2024 curtain-raiser, with Trent Alexander-Arnold in line to take his place in midfield.