Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has laid down a clear challenge to Kobbie Mainoo, spelling out exactly what the youngster must improve to secure regular game time.
The Red Devils take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in today’s Premier League derby.
Speaking to the media in the pre-match press conference, Amorim warned that raw talent alone will not be enough for Mainoo to thrive at this level.
He said (via ManUtd.com): “Sometimes I think for some guys it’s [the level he’s playing at now] enough. For him, it’s not enough. Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo and that’s it.”
He is really good at controlling the game, but if he plays as a no.8, he has to reach the box [and be] returning [back to midfield]. Sometimes he has to cover a lot of space.”
Amorim fields his side in a 3-4-2-1 formation where the two central midfielders shoulder a huge responsibility to balance attack and defence.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have been his trusted pairing this season.
The arrival of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo has forced Fernandes to occupy a deeper role.
Fernandes plays with urgency, which Mainoo currently lacks.
The club captain dictates the tempo and sparks attacks, something the youngster is still learning to replicate.
It is a losing battle for Mainoo to fight with the skipper for the number eight spot.
The 20-year-old played as a holding midfielder under former manager Erik ten Hag.
However, Amorim insists Mainoo must sharpen his positional sense if he wants to cement a starting berth in that role.
We believe Amorim is spot on with his analysis.
The United academy star often joins attacks eagerly when United are in possession, leaving gaps that quick, counter-attacking sides can ruthlessly exploit.
Amorim added: “Kobbie could play as a no.6, but sometimes he passes the ball and goes away, and that’s not a reference as a no.6. So we have to balance everything [in midfield].
“I think he needs to have the technical ability that he [already] has, but he needs more pace, he needs to better understand the position, he needs to play in different speeds – sometimes it’s slower, sometimes it’s faster – and I think he can improve on that.”
The Portuguese head coach urged Mainoo to embrace his recent setbacks as motivation and set higher targets for himself.
Amorim pointed to the example of Paris Saint-Germain star Vitinha.
He was once written off after struggling at Wolverhampton Wanderers but is now a Champions League winner and one of Europe’s finest midfielders.
Amorim said: “Sometimes it’s the opinion of a coach. I remember Vitinha. Vitinha was not playing for Wolverhampton [Wanderers]. Then, nowadays, you can see that he’s maybe the best midfielder in the world”.
With Cunha and Mason Mount absent due to injuries, Fernandes could move ahead in the number 10 position.
Mainoo could be handed his first start of the league campaign and he will have to bear the onus to live up to his manager’s expectations.
