Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has revealed that Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo left him with an injury during Fulham’s dramatic 3–2 defeat at Old Trafford last weekend.

Iwobi, who completed the full 90 minutes as Marco Silva’s side pushed for a comeback, shared the light-hearted revelation on his Alexander Yaa Digg podcast, where he displayed an injured finger while joking about Mainoo’s physical strength.

“Shout-out to Kobbie Mainoo… but Kobbie, you finished my hand. This guy has got Ghanaian strength,” Iwobi said with a smile, adding humour to what was otherwise a frustrating result for the London club.

The match itself was packed with drama, as Fulham fought back into the game before Benjamin Šeško struck a late winner for Manchester United. Despite the disappointment, Iwobi praised his teammates for their resilience and individual performances.

He singled out Kevin Santos Lopes for special recognition after the forward netted his first goal for the club — a strike Iwobi described as “extraordinary.” The Nigerian midfielder also applauded Raul Jimenez for maintaining composure from the penalty spot, though he admitted the late defeat left the squad feeling unlucky.

“It was a solid performance… but obviously we felt hard done by with them scoring in the last minute,” he concluded.

Iwobi has been one of Fulham’s most consistent performers this season, contributing two goals and two assists in 18 league appearances while playing a key role in Silva’s midfield setup.

A Tough Loss but Signs of Progress

Fulham’s display at Old Trafford highlighted both their attacking intent and the fine margins that often decide Premier League matches. While conceding late exposed defensive vulnerabilities, the team’s ability to fight back against a top opponent suggests growing confidence within the squad.

For Iwobi personally, continuing to play through minor knocks underlines his importance to Fulham’s system, where his versatility and work rate remain crucial.

Opinion: Iwobi’s Influence Goes Beyond Goals

Beyond the injury joke and match analysis, Iwobi’s comments reflect a player who has matured into a leader on and off the pitch. His willingness to praise teammates publicly shows the kind of dressing-room presence that coaches value — someone who builds morale even after painful defeats.

The Ghanaian-strength remark about Mainoo also reminds fans of the friendly cultural banter that often exists among players, adding personality to the modern game. More importantly, it highlights how competitive the Premier League has become, with young midfielders like Mainoo pushing experienced stars like Iwobi to their limits.

If Fulham can convert strong performances into consistent results, players like Iwobi could become the driving force behind one of the club’s most balanced seasons in recent years. For now, the loss at Old Trafford may sting — but the spirit shown suggests there is still plenty to build on as the campaign progresses.