Ruben Amorim is putting out-of-favour midfielder Kobbie Mainoo through intense training sessions to revive his Manchester United career, according to the Sun.
The Red Devils academy graduate has found himself behind Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in the pecking order of the Portuguese head coach, with the duo the preferred options at the base of the midfield.
However, Amorim remains a fan and admirer of the athleticism, football IQ, and skillset of the Man United star and has been challenging him to get better.
Mainoo is being put through his paces at Carrington in order to earn a starting spot, with the Red Devils boss working with him on his defensive plays and skills.
Amorim sees Mainoo as a strong option to feature in defensive midfield in certain games and situations, and he has been talking with him a lot about his defensive commitment.
The Man United boss is open to playing him alongside Fernandes in the middle of the park some point.
Casemiro is suspended for the trip to Brentford on Saturday after he was sent off against Chelsea last weekend.
Manuel Ugarte is an option to replace the Brazilian, but Mainoo is desperate for a chance having yet to start a Premier League game so far this term.
The 20-year-old has made all his three league appearances thus far off the bench, and it remains to be seen whether he will be included in the line-up against the Bees.
He pushed to leave Man United in the summer to seek regular playing chances elsewhere and boost his chances of returning to the England team.
However, the Red Devils were not keen on letting him leave even on loan and he is now fighting to force his way back into the starting XI.
His chance could come this weekend but it is unknown whether Amorim is fully convinced he can impress alongside Fernandes in his 3-4-3/3-2-4-1 formation.
