Which Manchester United Star Does Ruben Amorim Say Needs to Improve?

Ruben Amorim continues to back Kobbie Mainoo, despite the young midfielder's limited appearances for Manchester United this season. Amorim acknowledges Mainoo's potential but believes he must improve to secure a regular starting position, especially given the competition from established players like Bruno Fernandes. The manager's comments highlight the challenges and expectations faced by young talent in a demanding environment.

Last updated: 06 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Kobbie Mainoo has not started in the Premier League this season, remaining on the bench in key matches.
• Manager Ruben Amorim believes Mainoo can improve significantly despite his talent.
• Competition for starting roles is intense, especially from club captain Bruno Fernandes.
• Mainoo's request for a loan was denied, indicating the club's belief in his potential.
• Amorim draws parallels between Mainoo's development and that of Vitinha, a standout midfielder at PSG.

Mainoo's Current Situation at Manchester United

Kobbie Mainoo, the talented academy graduate, has found himself in a challenging position at Manchester United this season. Despite being a promising midfielder, he has not yet started a Premier League game. Instead, he has been seen on the bench during matches against Arsenal, Fulham, and Burnley. This lack of playing time has raised questions about his integration into the first team, particularly given the fierce competition he faces.

In United's opening matches, Mainoo was overlooked in favour of Manuel Ugarte, who was called up ahead of him. His chance to enter the fray against Burnley came only after injuries sidelined key players Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount. This sequence of events has led to speculation regarding Mainoo's future at the club, especially as he seeks more first-team opportunities.

The Loan Request

During the final week of the summer transfer window, Mainoo sought a loan move to gain valuable playing experience. He was keen to secure regular first-team football, especially with the impending England World Cup campaign. However, Manchester United denied his request, suggesting that they see him as an integral part of their plans moving forward.

Amorim has publicly expressed his belief in Mainoo's potential, stating, "I believe a lot in Kobbie, but some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done [the finished article]." He emphasised that Mainoo has room for improvement and can become a pivotal figure in the squad.

The Pressure of Competition

Mainoo finds himself in direct competition with Bruno Fernandes, the club captain and a player known for his significant contributions on the pitch. Amorim's tactical setup typically features Fernandes in a central role, leaving Mainoo with limited opportunities to showcase his skills. The manager's comments indicate that while he values Mainoo's talent, he also expects him to adapt and improve his game to seize opportunities when they arise.

Amorim's Expectations

Amorim has made it clear that he requires Mainoo to enhance his performance, particularly in terms of tactical awareness and game control. "Kobbie Mainoo is really good at controlling the game," he noted, "but if he plays as a No 8, he has to reach the box, returning [tracking back], and sometimes he has to cover a lot of space." This highlights the responsibilities placed on central midfielders in Amorim's 3-4-3 formation, where balance and versatility are crucial.

Learning from Others: The Vitinha Comparison

In his assessment of Mainoo, Amorim drew comparisons to Vitinha, a midfielder who transformed his career after a spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers. "Sometimes it’s the opinion of a coach; I remember Vitinha was not playing for Wolverhampton," Amorim said. "Then nowadays, you can see that Vitinha – maybe – is the best midfielder in the world." This analogy serves as both inspiration and a challenge for Mainoo, who must recognise that with dedication and effort, his fortunes can change in a similar manner.

Shifting Dynamics at Manchester United

With Amorim at the helm, Manchester United is undergoing a tactical evolution that could benefit Mainoo. The manager's style contrasts with that of previous coaches, creating an environment where players must adapt to new demands. Amorim has stated that he expects more from Mainoo, particularly in terms of his ability to influence games and contribute to the team's overall performance.

Amorim's vision of a more controlled game could potentially offer Mainoo the opportunity to thrive, provided he can meet the expectations set by his manager. The pressure to perform is high, but with the right attitude and application, Mainoo can carve out a significant role for himself at Manchester United.

What Lies Ahead for Mainoo?

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Kobbie Mainoo and his development within the Manchester United setup. The club has clearly expressed its faith in him as a player with immense potential, but the path to becoming a regular starter will require hard work and commitment. The competition is fierce, and with established players like Fernandes ahead of him, Mainoo must rise to the challenge.

There is a possibility that he may secure more playing time as the season unfolds, especially with the demands of a packed fixture schedule. However, whether he can seize his opportunities and make a lasting impression remains to be seen.

Conclusion

Kobbie Mainoo's journey at Manchester United is a testament to the challenges faced by young players in elite football. While Ruben Amorim has shown faith in his abilities, the expectation for improvement is clear. Mainoo's situation serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of football, where talent alone may not be sufficient to guarantee success. As he navigates this critical phase of his career, the question remains: will Mainoo rise to the occasion and establish himself as a key player in United's plans?

#KobbieMainoo #RubenAmorim #ManchesterUnited

FAQs

Why hasn't Kobbie Mainoo started any Premier League games this season?

Kobbie Mainoo hasn't started in the Premier League due to strong competition for places, particularly from Bruno Fernandes and other established midfielders in the squad.

What did Mainoo request during the summer transfer window?

Mainoo requested a loan move to gain first-team football ahead of the upcoming World Cup, but Manchester United denied this request, indicating their belief in his potential.

What does Ruben Amorim expect from Kobbie Mainoo?

Amorim expects Mainoo to improve his tactical awareness and game control. He emphasised the need for Mainoo to adapt to the demands of a central midfield role within his tactical setup.

How does Mainoo's situation compare to Vitinha's career?

Amorim compared Mainoo's development to that of Vitinha, who went from being a bit-part player at Wolves to a standout midfielder at PSG, highlighting that improvement is always possible with dedication.

What formation does Ruben Amorim use at Manchester United?

Amorim primarily employs a 3-4-3 formation, which requires midfielders to be versatile and capable of both defensive and attacking duties, thus increasing the competition for starting roles.