Due to an illness, Kobbie Mainoo was unable to participate in Thursday’s Manchester United first-team practice. However, Erik ten Hag is optimistic that the midfield player will play this weekend against Brentford.

This season, the 18-year-old academy product has emerged as one of United’s bright spots in an otherwise underwhelming campaign that has seen the team finish sixth in the Premier League.

The youngster was promoted from the Under-21s and returned to Manchester this week with his first two senior appearances, having missed out on Gareth Southgate’s original 25-man team for England’s Euro 2024 warm-up matches against Brazil and Belgium.

Mainoo was the man of the match at Wembley following an impressive display in the center of the park, even though he only played for 74 minutes in the Three Lions’ 2-2 tie with Belgium.

Mainoo started United’s three games against Manchester City, Everton, and Liverpool before to the international break, and it was anticipated that he would play again this weekend away at Brentford.

However, The Manchester Evening News’ Samuel Luckhurst claims that Mainoo missed United’s practice on Thursday after feeling ill earlier this week.

Though Mainoo did show up for practice at Carrington on Friday, Ten Hag expects to deploy the young player at the Gtech Community Stadium as the Red Devils look to win the Premier League for the second time in a row.

The midfield player, who has made 14 Premier League appearances so far this season, scored a vital goal in the last seconds of United’s tҺrilling 4-3 triumph against Wolves last month.

In front of the media before to United’s trip to Brentford, Ten Hag said that he had spoken with Mainoo the need of maintaining a grounded approach after his rapid ascent in the last few months.

He’s handled the matter rather nicely so far. The head coach of United told reporters that “of course, me as a manager and we as coaches, we will intervene if he gets carried away.”

To date, however, it is not required since his goals are to play football, win, and always give it his all.

He simply wants to enjoy himself on the field and become better. He enjoys playing the dominating position, controlling the game, and coming out on top.

This season, Ten Hag has spoken highly of Mainoo’s demeanor both on and off the field. He was “not surprised” by how fast the U21s star adjusted to playing for his country.

Although we are not surprised, I felt it was excellent. We are aware of his abilities; he can rapidly adjust to demanding situations. We are thrilled for him and think it looks very natural, the Dutchman said.

Naturally, we are also really [proud]. It’s fantastic for Manchester United’s academy to raise a player of that age into the national squad; it’s a huge complement for the whole team.

It’s excellent news for Manchester United for everyone who worked with him throughout his academy days as well as for himself because he accomplished it.

For the first time in eight weeks, there are hopes Lisandro Martinez will be involved this weekend against Brentford.

The Argentina defender has missed United’s past seven games across all competitions while recovering from a medial collateral ligament ιnjury.

When questioned whether Martinez was still healthy, Ten Hag said, “Yes, there is a chance [back in squad].”