Erik ten Hag hit by Mason Mount blow ahead of Europa League clash with Porto as Kobbie Mainoo gives beleaguered boss fitness boost

The former Chelsea midfielder suffered a head cut during Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur. Further tests confirmed that Mount has not suffered a concussion, but as a precautionary step, he was kept out of this week’s training sessions to prevent aggravation of the cut.

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  While Mount’s involvement in the Porto match remains in doubt, Mainoo has been declared fully fit and will feature against the Portuguese side. The young midfielder was substituted in the first half of the Tottenham match with a suspected hamstring injury. However, after undergoing scans earlier in the week, it was revealed that the injury was not as severe as initially feared.

  Another piece of positive injury news for United involves club captain Harry Maguire. The centre-back missed the Tottenham game after picking up a knock in training. However, Maguire has recovered swiftly and is available for selection ahead of the trip to Porto.

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    This week is set to be a defining period for Ten Hag as the manager is believed to be running out of time at Old Trafford after a torrid start to the Premier League campaign – with just seven points taken from their first six games. They also drew against Dutch side Twente in their opening league stage fixture of the Europa League and only a strong showing at the Estadio do Dragao will appease a fanbase that is growing impatient.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    With Mainoo and Maguire working their way back to fitness, Ten Hag will be hoping his squad can rise to the occasion during this critical phase. Even if they successfully navigate the challenge in Portugal, they can hardly afford to rest on their laurels as they will travel to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa in the Premier League. The Midlands side has been in impressive form this season, and Sunday’s result could potentially decide Ten Hag’s future at United.