Manchester United were beaten 2-1 by Leeds United on Monday night and were without Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu for the game
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo missed the defeat to Leeds after a minor injury in training(Image: Getty Images)
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Manchester United squandered the opportunity to extend their advantage in the battle for Champions League qualification as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Leeds United on Monday.
Michael Carrick's side were aware that victory over Leeds would see them open up a 10-point gap over sixth-placed Chelsea in the pursuit of Europe's premier club competition. But the Reds were off the pace and endured a first home reverse under Carrick, with Noah Okafor's first-half double proving decisive.
Casemiro did grab one back for United after the interval, but it proved too little too late as the hosts had to accept just a second defeat in 15 Premier League outings. Before kick-off, Carrick was dealt a significant blow as Kobbie Mainoo was ruled out with a minor knock.
Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo was omitted from the Manchester United squad to face Leeds. The 20 year old had featured from the start in each of United's previous 10 fixtures since Michael Carrick was appointed as the club's interim head coach in mid-January and has shone in a midfield partnership alongside Casemiro.
However, Mainoo was absent against Leeds after sustaining a minor training injury. United decided it wasn't worth the risk of including the midfielder in the squad, with Manuel Ugarte stepping in to replace him in the starting line-up.
When quizzed about Mainoo's absence ahead of kick-off, Carrick told Sky Sports: "Over the last day or so, Kobbie just had an issue in training. So it seems small but big enough to keep him out tonight. It wasn't worth the risk, to be honest, so we're hoping it's pretty small."
Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo missed Manchester United's defeat to Leeds United(Image: James Marsh/Shutterstock)
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Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt hasn't featured for United since November after suffering a back injury. He is edging closer to a comeback, though Monday's clash against Leeds came too early for the Dutchman.
Speaking ahead of the match, Carrick said: "Just treatment and rehab. The reason he didn't come, he's not quite on the grass."
The interim United head coach went on to say: "Patrick [Dorgu] came with us and Pat's at that stage a little bit further on. Matta's not quite at that stage yet, so it was important for him to... to continue his rehab really and try and get him back there's nothing else really around it."
Patrick Dorgu
Patrick Dorgu travelled with the rest of the Manchester United squad for the training camp in the Republic of Ireland. The Denmark international has not featured for United since suffering a hamstring injury in a 3-2 victory over Arsenal in January.
Patrick Dorgu during a Manchester United game
Patrick Dorgu could soon be back in Michael Carrick's plans(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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Diogo Dalot
Dalot was hit by a virus before the Leeds game and dropped to the bench with Noussair Mazraoui taking his place. But the Portugal international entered the fray during the second half and could start against Chelsea this weekend.