By Anthony Onifade

19th Sep, 2023 | 6:10pm

West Ham United: Divin Mubama sends social media message to Kobbie Mainoo as injury update shared

West Ham United attacker Divin Mubama took to social media to send a message to Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo after he shared an update on his injury recovery.

Mainoo enjoyed the trust of Erik ten Hag in pre-season and started a friendly with Real Madrid, only to be hurt in the opening exchanges during a freak collision with Rodrygo.

The 18-year-old took part in an individual light running exercise as he strives to make his way back, after impressing in the United States.

And taking to his personal Instagram account (19 September), the Old Trafford academy graduate provided a timely message to the Manchester United fans with his return “not too far now.”

He wrote: “Been a long road back, not too far now.”

And Mubama, a West Ham academy graduate himself, responded to the post with a star emoji.

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Hope for the same impact

While West Ham United have enjoyed a quick-fire start to the campaign so far, Manchester United have flattered to deceive with three losses from their first five games.

And much of their early torrid form has been down to the huge number of injuries they’ve suffered not least to Kobbie Mainoo who was been touted for a big role at Old Trafford this season all summer.

His injury in pre-season was a huge blow for Erik Ten Hag as he impressed mightily before the setback, and once again already shows how much he’s valued and celebrated at the club given he’s barely featured in the Premier League.

That similar impact and admiration is what Mubama will be striving for at West Ham United too and the Rush Green academy graduate will be hoping for a big role in East London this season too.

And that could certainly be expedited with Michail Antonio the only specialist number nine ahead of Mubama in the pecking order.

It presents a huge opportunity for Mubama to show David Moyes that he’s worth his weight in gold and capable of making a consistent impression in the English top flight.

His performances in preseason certainly showed a young player who is ready to challenge Antonio for a starring role up front.

In other West Ham news, the East Londoners may well have found their next Declan Rice in one burgeoning Belgian talent, an ambitious bid could be on the cards in January.