Man Utd 'midfield prodigy' risks West Ham or Chelsea suspension due to Premier League rule

Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo could miss upcoming Premier League fixtures against West Ham and Chelsea as he is dangerously near to be slapped with a suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards.

The midfield prodigy, who is just 19 years old, has already cemented himself as a key part of the Red Devils side. Mainoo has featured in every Premier League match so far this season under Erik ten Hag but looks sure to be forced out of action for one fixture before the end of the calendar year.

Man Utd star close to suspension

Premier League rules stipulate that any player who picks up five yellow cards in the opening 19 fixtures of the campaign will be slapped with a one-match ban in the interests of fair play. Mainoo has already found himself in the referee's book against Brighton, Liverpool, Southampton and Aston Villa this season.

After the international break, Manchester United welcome Brentford to Old Trafford. Should Mainoo pick up a yellow card in that match, he would be ruled out of the trip to West Ham, which would be a boost for Julen Lopetegui's hopes for a result.

Should the midfielder stay out of trouble against Brentford but pick up his fifth booking against West Ham, he'll then sit out of the clash against Chelsea at Old Trafford at the start of November. Given his defensive midfield role and young age, it seems unlikely that Mainoo will manage to make it to the 19th fixture of the campaign without another booking.

Kobbie Maino nursing injury

Any suspension will come as a blow for Manchester United and the player, who is looking to return to fitness having pulled out of England duty due to a niggle this week. Mainoo played 85 minutes against Aston Villa last weekend having missed out on European action against Porto - that decision came after he was forced off before half time against Tottenham Hotspur.

Speaking after playing Spurs, Ten Hag admitted he had 'concerns' about that injury. He said: "I can't say in this moment. I have to find out but, of course, when a player is coming off before half-time already, then there are some concerns.

"Also, I have seen how Mason came off. He was bleeding so it's clear there are some problems there and we have to see how they recover in the coming days."