The Kobbie Mainoo question has proven to be a difficult problem to solve for Ruben Amorim so far.
The Englishman, who enjoyed a breakthrough season under Erik ten Hag in the 23/24 campaign, started only 15 times for the new head coach.
The Portuguese tactician played him in multiple positions — in midfield as part of a double pivot, as a No.10 in the Europa League, and even as a false nine.
There were reports that Amorim was not too pleased with the Carrington graduate’s performances, and he felt the 20-year-old was not a natural fit in his system.
Mainoo struggled under Amorim
That led to increased rumours regarding an exit from United. But he remains at the club and even played in the second half against Leeds in the club’s first pre-season friendly.
Fans want him to stay, and now, the head coach has thrown him a challenge if he wants to secure his place as a starter for his boyhood club.
The ex-Sporting CP coach had spoken about the lack of pace in midfield against Leeds, and he wants Kobbie Mainoo to improve his tempo.
Amorim needs a new defensive midfielder, based on his team’s struggles in the first pre-season friendly, and he explained that the England international can play in multiple positions including as a No.10 and as the deep-lying playmaker but needs to change his languid style.
Throws down the gauntlet
“I think he can play in both positions [No 6 and No 10] in the midfield,” Amorim was quoted as saying by The Telegraph. “Last year, he played more in front.
“His perfect position is more near the ball, always with the ball. He’s a big talent, and you guys know better than me that he is a big talent. He needs to increase the rhythm, the pace. I’m always on top of that with Kobbie because he is so good sometimes, but he can be better.
“So I have big plans but, like I said, it’s one game per week and the competition is going to be huge. Everybody has to be prepared to play one game, or play all the games, that is a key point in our season.”
Mainoo is much more effective closer to goal than when he plays deep. While he can do a job at the base of the midfield, whether he has the ground coverage ability and pace remains to be seen.
It will be interesting to see how the upcoming season unfolds for the academy graduate. With contract talks still to progress, Amorim’s words indicate it is now or never for the United star.
Feature image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
