Featured Image Credit: Jan Kruger / Stringer via Getty
Topics: Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United, Ruben Amorim, Premier League, Football, Man Utd, Transfer News
James Taylor
Topics: Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United, Ruben Amorim, Premier League, Football, Man Utd, Transfer News
Kobbie Mainoo has taken action to rescue his Manchester United future as he continues to struggle for game time.
After a breakthrough campaign under Erik ten Hag, the midfielder has found life far more difficult since Ruben Amorim's arrival in November 2024.
Injuries have disrupted his progress, while Amorim's demanding 3-4-3 formation does not suit Mainoo. So far this season, the 20-year-old has made just one start, in the Carabao Cup second-round defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town.
With Mainoo believing that his opportunities would be limited with Fernandes ahead of him in the pecking order, he requested a loan move in the summer. That request was turned down, as it would have left United short of midfield depth with only Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Fernandes as senior options.
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Despite that personal setback for Mainoo, he has instead chosen to take matters into his own hands and force his way back into Amorim's plans.
According to the MEN, Mainoo has been working hard at Carrington and doing everything he can to impress Ruben Amorim.
The youngster even changed his private chef at home, and worked with a private coach during the September international break.
Mainoo has been restricted to just 76 minutes across United's first five Premier League games.
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It is a sharp contrast for a player that scored and was the man of the match in an FA Cup final just over a year ago.
But Amorim has insisted that he has not lost faith in the teenager.
He explained: "I believe in him a lot. He is a top player. But some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done [a complete player]. I think he can do so much better.
"For some guys [talent] is enough, but for him it is not. Maybe it's not fair, but I think I'm helping Kobbie and that's it."
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His only start this season came in that disastrous night against Grimsby, from which no United players emerged with any credit.
But his midfield partner Manuel Ugarte returned for the Manchester derby and played 45 minutes at the weekend against Chelsea.
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With Casemiro suspended for Saturday's game against Brentford, there is an opening in midfield alongside Fernandes.
Given Ugarte's unconvincing recent displays, Mainoo may feel that he deserves to start at the G Tech Community Stadium.
Although Amorim has previously suggested that Mainoo is in direct competition with Fernandes for a starting role, pairing the two may be United's most effective duo on Saturday.