Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly in the process of grooming Kobbie Mainoo for a new role.
The 20-year-old rose to stardom in the 2023/24 campaign when he made his major breakthrough with the first team. He even scored in the final of the FA Cup against Manchester City and went on to represent England in the European Championship.
However, the Man Utd academy product is coming off a challenging 2024/25 season, while the new campaign has yet to offer him any comfort.
Ruben Amorim ready to introduce Kobbie Mainoo in new role
Earlier this season, Amorim explained his vision for the middle of the park. He revealed that Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte will be vying for the holding-midfielder role, while Mainoo will have to ‘fight’ Bruno Fernandes for the No.8 position.
Needless to say, the club captain has been comfortably winning the duel, as the youngster is still waiting for his first starting appearance in the Premier League. Therefore, circulating reports are claiming that Mainoo could be seeking a January exit in order to boost his chances of earning a World Cup call-up.
But according to The Sun, the Stockport native might not have to leave Man Utd after all, as substantial playing time could be on the way.
Could Mainoo be Man Utd’s new holding midfielder?
The source reveals that Amorim is desperate for a new solution for the No.6 role, especially following Casemiro’s needless red card against Chelsea.
Thus, the Portuguese manager and his staff have been closely working with Mainoo in training, as they look to transform him into a defensive midfielder capable of playing alongside Bruno rather than serving as his understudy.
This would certainly be a delightful scenario for United fans, as Mainoo is one of the most beloved players at Old Trafford. Even neutral pundits and observers have been urging Amorim to play the England international.
Hence, it remains to be seen if the young man will be able to morph into a new role that entails additional dirty work.
