There are serious questions to be asked of Ruben Amorim’s set-up and selection calls at Manchester United.
Are the Red Devils hamstringing pivotal midfield technician Bruno Fernandes, for instance? Can they play a double pivot with one midfielder who is less inclined to fulfil his defensive duties?
Or, worse yet, is the ongoing exclusion of Academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo a mistake of epic proportions?
Kobbie Mainoo shone in cameo vs Man City
We see this phenomenon happen all the time in football; a new manager comes in and suddenly a star player just doesn’t feel like the right fit.
Sometimes it’s just the attitude, though in this case, we’re almost certain that it’s a systemic concern in Amorim’s eyes.
As far as the Portuguese head coach is concerned, the 20-year-old doesn’t have a natural home either in midfield or as one of his forwards.
But just try telling that to Manchester United’s travelling fanbase at the Etihad, as Mainoo was spotted causing havoc following his introduction in the second half.
The move ultimately didn’t result in a goal for the visitors, but that’s absolutely no fault of our number 62.
Pep Guardiola couldn’t believe what he saw from Mainoo
Once you’ve finished enjoying the incredible dribble from the Stockport-born star, just take a closer look at Pep Guardiola’s reaction on the touchline.
The Manchester City boss can be clearly spotted holding his head with both hands in shock as Kobbie Mainoo retrieved possession and beat not one, but two, City players before gobbling up the space before him.
Kobbie Mainoo 🕳️ 🏃🏽♂️ 💨 pic.twitter.com/qrvPIswPcy
— Roy (@ChiefsLeftHand) September 14, 2025
Kobbie Mainoo stats vs Manchester City
→ 2 key passes
→ 18/18 passes completed
→ 1/1 successful dribble attempted
→ 3/3 ground duels completed
→ 0/1 aerial duel won
→ Possession lost three times
Why isn’t Kobbie Mainoo starting for Manchester United?
Is it any surprise that the young footballer now wants out of Manchester United?
Unless he can prove himself an upgrade on Bruno Fernandes, the team captain, it’s difficult to see how the Englishman carves his way back into the starting-XI.
Judging by yesterday’s cameo, however, you can see why Mainoo may look the better fit for Amorim’s system as part of a double pivot.
There’s no question that our number eight is the superior player – but he’s an ill fit for the current system.
Where that leaves United, of course, is a difficult question to answer. Leaving such a talented young player brimming with potential on the bench feels wasteful. Likewise, failing to make best use of Fernandes feels a little criminal.
