A Manchester United source has revealed the decision Ruben Amorim has made on Kobbie Mainoo's role in the team.
Mainoo has played a bit-part role for Man United this season, having been linked with a move away from the club during the summer transfer window.
A deadline day switch was mooted but nothing came to fruition as the 20-year-old stayed put at Old Trafford.
Mainoo's name continues to do the rounds in the rumour mill as a 'record' transfer has been reported.
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But judging by his actions off the pitch, he appears hellbent on fighting for his spot in the team.
What position could he find himself in? Well, according to a Man United source, he is being trained to play alongside Bruno Fernandes at some point.
Per the source, Amorim has been working with Mainoo on his 'defensive plays and skills' as he eyes a central midfield partnership of the Englishman and club captain Fernandes.
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"Ruben has been working with Kobbie on his defensive plays and skills, talking with him a lot about defensive commitment in order to try him alongside Bruno at some point," a source told The Sun.
"Kobbie also has the ability to play as a number six, which is important since Casemiro has had some ups and downs, will be suspended, and (Manuel) Ugarte hasn’t fully convinced Amorim yet.
"Kobbie’s athleticism and hunger to succeed are seen as very important by Ruben, and he is clearly showing him that he wants him committed and ready to help in any central midfield position, even now as a number six, since the team lacks impact in that role."
Mainoo has played four games this season, including three league appearances.
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But he has yet to play from the start in a league game at this early stage of the 2025/26 campaign.
His only start came in his side's shock Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town last month.
Despite his lack of minutes, Amorim 'likes' Mainoo and is an admirer of his 'athleticism, football IQ and skillset'.
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The source added: "Kobbie is a player Ruben likes a lot, but he also wants him to keep working hard, be ready to make sacrifices, and understand that opportunities and playing time will come over the course of a long season.
"Ruben trusts Kobbie’s talent and sees that he has been working very hard and giving everything in training lately.
"He likes seeing Kobbie in 'warrior mode' lately and enjoys that he has developed this kind of mentality.
"Ruben loves Kobbie’s athleticism, football IQ, and skillset. He is challenging him to make him better and sees him as a strong option to play as a defensive midfielder in certain games and situations.
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"Ruben feels that using Kobbie as a six in some matches will help him become a better, more complete player and keep improving to reach his full potential."
Given Casemiro's red card against Chelsea, Mainoo could be recalled to the starting XI for their trip to Brentford on Saturday.
Topics: Ruben Amorim, Kobbie Mainoo, Football, Manchester United
Nasir Jabbar