Manchester United: Kobbie Mainoo spotted in training - but defensive star absent ahead of Lyon clash

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·9 April 2025

Manchester United: Kobbie Mainoo spotted in training - but defensive star absent ahead of Lyon clash

Amorim could be handed a welcome team selection dilemma for the Europa League tie

Kobbie Mainoo has put himself in contention for a return to the Manchester United matchday squad for Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Lyon.

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United will travel out to France later today ahead of a meeting with the Ligue 1 outfit at the Groupama Stadium.

Head coach Ruben Amorim has received a number of fitness boosts either side of the international break which will allow him to name a strong travelling party.

Amorim could be in a position to welcome Mainoo back into the fold for the first time since the FA Cup fourth round win over Leicester at the beginning of February.

The midfielder had been sidelined with an injury picked up in training but was due to take part in a session ahead of the Manchester derby last weekend.

Ultimately Mainoo was not involved in the largely forgettable goalless draw at Old Trafford, though he has trained with the squad ahead of the Lyon clash in what is positive news for Amorim.

“Kobbie Mainoo is training with us, we want to be careful, again, with our players, but maybe he’s going to be in our squad,” Amorim said of the England international after the draw with Manchester City.

However, there was no sign of Matthijs de Ligt from Wednesday’s session at Carrington.

De Ligt missed the Manchester derby after picking up a knock in the loss to Nottingham Forest five days prior and Amorim revealed he wasn’t too sure how long the Dutchman would be sidelined for.

Speaking to MUTV, he said: “Matta, he has an injury. Let's see how long it is going to take.”

Ayden Heaven, Toby Collyer, Jonny Evans and Amad Diallo were among the other notable absentees, but Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro were all present.