Saturday night update: Man Utd insider reveals what he heard on Mainoo injury

On Saturday afternoon, circulating rumours claimed that Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo may have suffered an injury.This untimely news ensued less than 24 hours ahead of MUFC’s Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace. The contest will take place at Old Trafford on Sunday, with the kickoff set at 14:00 UK time.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYNeedless to say, Mainoo was widely tipped to start in the double pivot alongside Casemiro, but his potential injury would throw a curveball in Michael Carrick’s plans.Kobbie Mainoo risks missing Crystal Palace clashOn Saturday, Man Utd’s official social media accounts shared a couple of training-ground videos, and eagle-eyed observers noticed Mainoo’s absence. This may have been the origin of the rumour after all. Preparing for Palace 👊 — Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 28, 2026Therefore, anxious United fans pleaded with reliable Carrington insider, Sully, to shed some light on the situation, and the latter finally obliged with an evening update.The journalist urged the club’s supporters to remain calm, insisting that the popular midfielder hasn’t sustained an injury,  but he still didn’t confirm that the player will take part in the action on Sunday.“Calma, last I heard, there wasn’t an injury concern with Kobbie Mainoo – let’s see if he’s in the squad tomorrow!” posted Sully on his X account. Calma, last I heard, there wasn’t an injury concern with Kobbie Mainoo – let’s see if he’s in the squad tomorrow! The positive atmosphere within Carrington continues with some reasonable confidence going into the game tomorrow. Carrick + co know a place for Top 3 is available. 🧘‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/Zl14ogCOfe — Sully (@SullyTalkz) February 28, 2026Why Mainoo’s absence would be a blow for Man UnitedMainoo has been enjoying a 180-degree turnaround since Carrick’s arrival. The 20-year-old didn’t make a single appearance as a starter in the first 20 Premier League rounds of the season under Ruben Amorim, but he’s been omnipresent in the new manager’s lineup.Fans and pundits have been equally praiseful of Mainoo’s recent performances, as he managed to cement himself as one of the main pillars in the team, pulling the strings in the middle of the park.Therefore, the England international’s absence would be a heavy blow for Carrick, especially amidst the lack of alternatives.Thierno Barry goes down under the challenge of Kobbie Mainoo. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)The 44-year-old tactician would either borrow one of Amorim’s ideas by deploying Bruno Fernandes in a deeper role alongside Casemiro, or give the nod to Manuel Ugarte, whom he had particularly praised in his pre-match press conference on Friday for his ‘terrific’ attitude on the training ground.In the meantime, United fans will be hoping to be spared this dilemma and read Mainoo’s name in the starting lineup on Sunday afternoon.