Ruben Amorim says Kobbie Mainoo is finding his feet in the new boss’ system.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace, Amorim was first asked about Alejandro Garnacho’s improvement under him and responded:
“I think he’s not improving under me [because of me]. He changed right away from that game [against] City [when he was not in the squad]. The way he understands things and understands that I just want to help him, I just want to win games.
“He understands that [criticism] is never in a bad way. It’s always for him. I think all of the merit goes to Garnacho. He’s improving and we want to continue to improve with him. In the game he understood the position, the moment when to play inside and outside, and the connection with Diogo Dalot, that’s improving a lot, too.”
The next question was about Mainoo.
“Everyone in England sees him as a very, very good player,” he said.
“He went to the Euro finals. It’s more the position, he’s not comfortable. The key point is the position.
“Against FCSB, in No10, Kobbie felt more happy to play. I felt it watching him, he was so happy on the pitch, and that is important for me, because if the players are happy they play better.”
In discussing having to sell academy stars such as Garnacho and Mainoo to strengthen the team, the head coach said:
“That part is true [clubs being able to raise money by selling Academy players] but I want players like Kobbie and Garnacho. The focus is that we have to improve our Academy and you have to bring more.
“To play, to feel the shirt, but also to sell them. Our focus is to bring more [through].”
Amorim was also asked when Luke Shaw would be back in the squad, having returned to training.
“I think he needs to train more, to spend more time with his team-mates playing even like normal, small-sided games, not just working alone,” he replied.
“He stayed there [at Carrington] to make a different type of work, he’s going to get together with the team when we arrive and start from there. When I feel it is the right moment, we will start with some minutes in the games.”
He was then asked if a loan for Tyrell Malacia was being considered.
“We will see,” he said.
“What I know is that it’s really hard on Malacia. A long time without playing and then it’s hard to make a lot of games and a player like him, he’s a full-back, and sometimes in this system – he played in the national team outside and inside – it’s hard for him because he’s not so offensive and he can play like one of the three defenders if we have more possession and more control of the games.
“So, it’s really a difficult context for him but he’s our player and we are going to help him.”
Featured image Vasili Mihai-Antonio via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Red Billy
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
