Kobbie Mainoo
Another youngster who was expected to play a role in the first team this season, Kobbie Mainoo suffered a similar cruel twist of fate as Amad Diallo when he got injured against Real Madrid in pre-season.
That injury put a temporary halt on his progression as it seemed that the Stockport born Mainoo was building a head of steam on his trajectory towards joining the likes of Casemiro and Eriksen in the middle of the park.
After missing out on a behind-closed-doors friendly against Barnsley, Mainoo’s return has seemingly taken a step back.
Ten Hag and his staff may feel that returning him to the bright lights and pressure of Old Trafford may be counter-productive and may want him to keep developing away from the limelight.
With Wayne Rooney at Birmingham, Mainoo would have the chance to learn from another English prodigy and could gain valuable first-team experience in a highly competitive league as The Championship.
