Ruben analyses Kobbie Mainoo’s game

Kobbie Mainoo dominated the discussion in part two of Ruben Amorim’s press conference before our Sunday afternoon trip to Manchester City.

With the talented young midfielder having started only once so far this season — albeit we’re only four games into the new campaign — Ruben was questioned about his view on Mainoo’s ability, potential and future.

The boss gave a detailed insight into his thought process, picking out specific areas where Kobbie can further develop his game, and offering examples of other players who have fought for their place in the team and come out better as a result.

“Like a lot of guys, he wants to play more,” Ruben said of Kobbie.

“I believe a lot in Kobbie but some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done. I think he can do so much better. He can improve in a lot.

“And sometimes I think for some guys it’s [the level he’s playing at now] enough. For him, it’s not enough. Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo and that’s it.

“He will have opportunities like the other guys. If I feel during the week that he’s the best player to play, he’s going to play and I proved that already to every player here.

“I believe a lot in him. I have the same thing [opinion] that you have and that is a top, top player, but he can be so much better, so I’m focused on that.”

Ruben described Kobbie as a “very good kid” as well as a top player, and explained that while he’s not used to fighting for his place, he is doing so and focusing on improving.

“The way I play is completely different from the last manager,” Amorim continued.

“I watched a lot of Premier League games [while I was] in Portugal, and you could feel that United was really [about] transitions. Kobbie was the only guy that calmed down the game.

“Now, we have other players that calm down the game. We play different. And [so] sometimes I expect more from Kobbie Mainoo. I know he can give that. He is really good at controlling the game, but if he plays as a no.8, he has to reach the box [and be] returning [back to midfield]. Sometimes he has to cover a lot of space.

“Kobbie could play as a no.6, but sometimes he passes the ball and goes away, and that’s not a reference as a no.6. So we have to balance everything [in midfield]. I think he needs to have the technical ability that he [already] has, but he needs more pace, he needs to better understand the position, he needs to play in different speeds – sometimes it’s slower, sometimes it’s faster – and I think he can improve on that.

“And then sometimes it’s bad luck. Bruno is maybe the most influential player in the last [few] years, and he’s been playing in that position. He has to beat Bruno, Case, Manu, they are good players also. So I need to choose. It depends on the game, the opposition and the set pieces, sometimes. All these things matter when you choose the team.

“Sometimes it’s the opinion of a coach. I remember Vitinha. Vitinha was not playing for Wolverhampton [Wanderers]. Then, nowadays, you can see that he’s maybe the best midfielder in the world. So you never know! I need to go with what I’m feeling in the moment.”

Recommended:

• Bruno as a goalkeeper!? Video

  Bruno as a goalkeeper!?

  See what happened when the Reds took on a team of young fans at Carrington…

Back to Top