Joshua Zirkzee sends exit-linked Kobbie Mainoo message after Man United return
Joshua Zirkzee has given his reaction after Kobbie Mainoo made his return to action after injury for Man United.
The midfielder had not played for Ruben Amorim‘s side since the start of February after picking up a muscle problem in training.
However, he was back on the pitch on Thursday night (10 April), coming off the bench as a late substitute in the first leg of his side’s Europa League quarter final clash with Lyon in France.
Perhaps not surprisingly, that appears to be a moment both Mainoo and his Man United teammates have been looking forward to for some time.
Kobbie Mainoo speaks out after return to action
It was a dramatic clash between the two teams, and Zirkzee looked to have won the game for Ruben Amorim’s side when he headed home a Bruno Fernandes cross with two minutes of normal time to go.
However, another error from Man United goalkeeper Andre Onana gifted Lyon a stoppage time equaliser that ensures the tie is all square ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford next week.
Even so, the fact Mainoo is available again is undoubtedly a positive for the Red Devils, giving them another key option in the centre of the park.
| Kobbie Mainoo 2024/25 key stats | Total (from Transfermarkt) |
| Appearances | 26 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Yellow Cards | 7 |
| Red Cards | 0 |
| Minutes Played | 1,663 |
Taking to Instagram on Friday (11 April), the England international wrote: “Happy to be back out there with the boys, let’s finish the job back home”.
In response, Zirkzee simply commented “Ly”, showing his support and affection for his Man United teammate after that challenging period.
Man United face looming Kobbie Mainoo decision
Football Insider Verdict
There have been suggestions that Mainoo is one of the players that Man United will sell in the summer transfer window.
Certainly the well-documented financial situation at Old Trafford means it will be no surprise if players are moved on in the summer.
That is particularly the case given it appears Man United will have to raise funds to sign transfer targets through player sales.
New additions are certainly needed after what has been an extremely disappointing season, but selecting Mainoo as one of those to be let go would feel like a frustrating move in its own way.
The midfielder is among the best players at Old Trafford when he is fit and on form, and as a homegrown product, he is both a popular and useful asset as well.
With that in mind, the 19-year-old arguably ought to be one that Man United ought to be building a team of new signings around, rather than a player they look to let go.