Young midfielder suffered ankle problem in loss to Real Madrid

The 18-year-old midfielder, who made his first-team breakthrough last season and was playing a prominent role on the summer tour of the United States, was injured in Thursday’s friendly against Real Madrid in Houston.

Mainoo has flown back to Manchester for further assessment but a report on the club’s website said he was “expected to be ruled out for the first part of the 2023-24 season”.

United continue to be linked with a move for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat as Erik ten Hag bids to strengthen his squad further during what remains of the summer transfer window.

They have already signed Mason Mount and Andre Onana and have reportedly made a verbal offer to Atalanta for forward Rasmus Hojlund.

READ MORE: Medical Underway: Man United’s Deal of the Decade Inches closer

United’s Pursuit of Danish Prodigy Ramsus Hojlund: Tantalising Tango Begins

Eyeing Atalanta’s Golden Boy: A Delicate Dance

Manchester United stand poised to welcome the prodigious Ramsus Hojlund into their ranks. This development follows an agreement between Atalanta and El Bilal Toure, setting the stage for what can be best described as a box-office signing.

Toure, the exceptional Almeria forward, is in the process of a medical with the Serie A club, sparking an electric buzz across footballing circles. The agreement between the teams, an impressive £26.5 million, leaves Everton, who had been close to securing Toure’s signature, in the dust.

Toure’s aspiration to take on the challenge of Serie A played a decisive role in this football chess match, nudging the deal towards its thrilling conclusion.

A Twisting Tale: Hojlund’s United Dreams

This revelation imparts a powerful thrust to Manchester United’s pursuit of the Danish sensation, Hojlund, particularly after their hurdles in prising Harry Kane away from Tottenham.

Atalanta’s price tag of £86 million for the young striker raises the stakes, but United remain firm in their stance, unwilling to shell out more than £60 million. If an agreement proves elusive, the Red Devils have Randal Kolo Muani of Eintracht Frankfurt and Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus waiting in the wings.

Despite this keen interest in Hojlund, the United decision-makers keep the doors ajar for other opportunities should the deal falter.

Hojlund: The Rising Star

Hojlund’s resume speaks volumes. Last season, the 20-year-old dynamo scored 15 goals in 41 appearances, despite only being a starter in 26. Such scintillating performances have catapulted him into the upper echelons of young strikers on the global stage, earning the admiration of Manchester United’s discerning scouts throughout the 2022-23 campaign.

Under contract with Atalanta until June 2027, Hojlund has made a roaring international debut, finding the back of the net six times in his first six caps for Denmark. As the tango with Manchester United begins, the football world watches with bated breath.