Kobbie Mainoo has been praised by Alex Iwobi after Manchester United's 3-2 Premier League win over Fulham, with the Fulham star jokingly showing his strapped fingers on a video
Kobbie Mainoo with the ball at his feet as Alex Iwobi applies pressure
Alex Iwobi and Kobbie Mainoo battled in midfield during their sides' recent match(Image: Matthew Peters, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Kobbie Mainoo has received a message from Alex Iwobi following an incident between the pair during Manchester United's Premier League triumph over Fulham. Both players started Sunday's match, with Benjamin Sesko netting a decisive late goal for Michael Carrick's side.
Strikes from Casemiro and Matheus Cunha had given United the advantage, but a Raul Jimenez spot-kick and Kevin's spectacular effort levelled things for the visitors with mere minutes remaining. However, second-half replacement Sesko secured the victory with a superb finish.
Those three points allowed Carrick to preserve his perfect winning record. It follows impressive victories over Arsenal and Manchester City.
The returns of Amad and Bryan Mbeumo from the Africa Cup of Nations have been pivotal to these results. The turnaround has also coincided with Harry Maguire's return to full fitness.
Mainoo's reintegration into the starting eleven has equally proved transformative. Bruno Fernandes has subsequently shifted into his preferred attacking midfield position.
Playing alongside Casemiro, the 20-year-old has been demonstrating his calibre in recent weeks. Iwobi is still experiencing the aftermath of his influence from Sunday's encounter.
In his latest YouTube video, he playfully remarked: "Shout out Kobbie Mainoo, but Kobbie man... you absolutely finished my hand. This guy has Ghanaian strength!"
Alex Iwobi looks on during a Fulham match
Alex Iwobi has given Kobbie Mainno a shout out on social media(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)
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Whilst speaking, Iwobi raised the two smallest fingers on his right hand to reveal them bandaged together. It remains unclear precisely what Mainoo did to Iwobi that caused his finger injury, but, based on the latter's remarks, it appears to have occurred during a tussle for the ball, in which the United player came out on top.
A month ago, a January loan move appeared probable for Mainoo, with Amorim having given him barely 200 minutes of Premier League action this season. Since the former United head coach revealed he was in direct competition with Fernandes for a place in the team, his appearances became increasingly rare.
Napoli had been expressing keen interest in securing his services temporarily, with the Italian champions already having Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund on their books. Currently, a contract extension appears far more probable than an exit this summer, with discussions set to commence.
The midfielder has 18 months left on his existing agreement, and should Carrick stay in post, he will undoubtedly push to finalise a deal. The 44-year-old discussed Mainoo during a recent press briefing, noting the midfield partnership he is cultivating with Casemiro.
Carrick said: "Sometimes we can pigeonhole players quite quickly, but it's not always the case. Kobbie can play different roles within that, but definitely with Cassie in the middle, the last couple of games they've had a really good pairing and been a big part of controlling the team."
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