Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has revealed why he has yet to afford Kobbie Mainoo even a single minute of Premier League action this term.
Mainoo snubbed again in Fulham draw
Eyebrows were raised last weekend as Mainoo remained an unused substitute in the defeat to Arsenal. It was even more bizarre when the uninspiring Manuel Ugarte was thrust into the action ahead of the Carrington academy graduate.
When Amorim named his starting XI to face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, Mainoo was on the bench yet again.
As United played out a drab 1-1 draw, the England international was overlooked for a second consecutive match, with Amorim keeping faith in a midfield duo of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro – an approach that did not pay dividends.
Ugarte was once again introduced ahead of Mainoo, much to the frustration of the fans. This has raised serious questions regarding Mainoo’s long-term role under Amorim.
After the final whistle, Amorim spoke to reporters and stressed that his treatment of Mainoo is purely because the 20-year-old is competing against Fernandes for a starting berth.
Amorim’s verdict on the game and Mainoo’s situation
Amorim said in his post-match press conference, “It was a tough match. I think when we scored the goal, we forgot about maintaining the way we should play. We were just thinking about maintaining the results. We want to win so bad that we forget about maintaining possession, try to push the opponent.”
“We just gave a little bit of the game to Fulham. We started really well and until the goal, I think we were a good team. We can do better. After the goal we were just thinking about maintaining the advantage and we cannot do that.”
Asked whether he’s concerned about United’s goalscoring troubles, Amorim answered, “No, forget about last season. I think the feeling is there. When we were playing the game we scored a goal and I didn’t feel that the team was more confident now to face the game.”
“We were more concerned with the fact that ‘now we’re winning, we need to hold on to the result.’” We are going to score goals because we are creating so many chances and that is the most important thing, and then we just have to move on.”
On Mainoo, Amorim remarked, “He’s fighting for the position now with Bruno [Fernandes]. I changed two midfielders and I let Mason Mount there because we want to score a goal. And then when I change, I felt that the team needed to return to one holding midfielder near Bruno.”
“So he [Mainoo] just needs to fight for the position with Bruno like it should be at Manchester United.”
“Yes [Mainoo is competition for Bruno]. And then he’s going to play with Bruno, but at the moment, he’s fighting in training with Bruno for the position.”
On his decision not to start with a natural number nine yet again, Amorim insisted that the team is already familiar with that approach. He also pointed out that Matheus Cunha and Mount are both capable of filling in up front if need be.
Amorim also opened up on Benjamin Sesko, who came on from the bench early in the second half.
“I think he needs time. It’s not easy – sometimes you are on the bench and you go to the game and it’s really fast. I think he is understanding that the game is even faster than in the Bundesliga.”
“But he’s fighting and he had some good connections with his teammates. I felt that when he was on the pitch, it was not our best moment and that can change the way you see a player. So I’m really happy because he’s putting all the effort. We need to sometimes be in a better moment to help him to show the qualities that he has.”
United are back in action on Wednesday when they take on Grismby Town in the second round of the EFL.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
