Ruben Amorim has expressed his confidence in the long-term development of Kobbie Mainoo, despite the lack of regular playing time that led the midfielder to request a loan last month to leave Manchester United.
United rejected the request, and Mainoo made his first Premier League appearance of the season as a substitute in the 3-2 victory over Burnley before the international break. However, it is clear that he faces tough competition to get into Amorim’s midfield this season.
The derby on Sunday against Manchester City brings back memories of Mainoo’s stunning goal and performance as man of the match in the 2024 FA Cup final, where Erik ten Hag’s team beat City to lift the trophy. However, the player who started in the Euro 2024 final could be back on the bench this weekend.
Mainoo at a difficult crossroads with Manchester United
Like many players, he wants to play more. I didn’t have a conversation with him before the market closed, I had it this week, because I don’t want Kobbie Mainoo to think that I was having any conversation with him just to keep him. I don’t want that feeling.
Amorim
Amorim added: “I believe a lot in Kobbie, but some of you think Kobbie Mainoo is already the finished article. I think he can do much better, he can improve a lot.”
“I think for some players it’s enough (their talent), but for him it’s not enough. Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo, and that’s all. He will have opportunities like the others.”Kobbie Mainoo hizo su primera aparición esta temporada en la victoria del Manchester United sobre el Burnley el 30 de agosto.Mainoo, who has played 73 matches with his lifelong club’s first team, burst onto the scene under Ten Hag, but Amorim’s system has imposed different demands on United’s midfield.
Amorim added: “The way I play is completely different from the previous coach.”
“Sometimes, I look at Kobbie Mainoo and I feel like sometimes it was like, and I watched a lot of Premier League games when I was in Portugal, and you can feel that the Manchester United team was really transitional.”
“He was the only one who calmed the game. Now we have other players who can calm the game. We play a different game, and sometimes I expect more from Kobbie Mainoo. And I know he can give that.”
Amorim has already said this season that he sees Mainoo competing for a place directly with the club captain, Bruno Fernandes, although both played together in the second half of the victory against Burnley.
Amorim’s comments have suggested that he doesn’t fully trust Mainoo as a defensive midfielder, particularly regarding positioning, and that has restricted his opportunities in the current setup.
“Kobbie Mainoo is very good at controlling the game, but if he plays as an eight, he has to get into the area, go back (retreat), and sometimes he has to cover a lot of space with only two,” he said.
“Bruno is doing that job. And sometimes it’s bad luck.”
“Bruno is perhaps the most influential player of recent years, and he has been playing in that position. Kobbie Mainoo could play as a six (defensive midfielder), but sometimes he passes the ball and leaves and is not a reference as a six, so we have to balance everything.”
