Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, regarded as one of England’s best young midfielders, is caught in the crossfire. He’s fighting to get back into the rotation this year. Despite his potential and previous contributions, Mainoo has yet to start a Premier League match, leading to speculation about his future at the club. Media reports have confirmed that he requested a loan to move away from Manchester United over the course of the summer transfer window. With the fast approaching January deadline, this ask may be revisited.
Ruben Amorim, the manager of Sporting Lisbon, would be keen to speak to Mainoo. He is now hoping for concrete talks about a potential loan move for the forward. He views Mainoo as a key player and believes he has the characteristics required to thrive in the midfield role, typically occupied by established players like Casemiro. Mainoo will find stiff competition in Manchester United’s captain Bruno Fernandes for a starting spot in United’s first team. This fierce rivalry has made it difficult for him to find a spot in the starting order.
Struggles for Minutes at Manchester United
Even for Kobbie Mainoo, it’s been harder and harder to make his way onto the pitch since the start of the season. The highly touted midfielder was in the starting eleven for England in their historic Euro 2024 final in July. He has been kept on the bench by a lack of chances at Manchester United. Despite having been one of the best performers in youth competitions, his plight only deteriorated since being placed in the doghouse by manager Thomas Tuchel.
According to some reporting, Mainoo is seeking assurances of first-team playing time. As a consequence of that, he pushed for a loan move in the summer transfer window. His dreams of a short-term rotation fizzled. So much so that he hasn’t figured in the match day squad at all. Yet, he hasn’t had a single start in the Premier League this season. This missed opportunity is severely limiting his development as a player.
Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand and Nicky Butt have all had their say on Mainoo’s situation. They are concerned that by further waiting for a full time opening at Manchester United will be detrimental to his career progression. Their comments certainly ring true that Second City need to be loaning out Mainoo to a better move that will guarantee him regular playing time and continued maturation.
Amorim’s Perspective on Mainoo
Ruben Amorim was very effusive in his praise of Kobbie Mainoo. His vision for him is to be a difference making starter — like everyone else on his roster. The Portuguese boss clearly sees plenty of promise in Mainoo. So, one, he wants Mainoo to be key in midfield, like Casemiro is. He suggests that Mainoo’s reduced playing time is largely due to the formidable presence of Bruno Fernandes in the lineup.
“I’m not going to say what I’m going to say to Kobbie, but I will be really pleased if Kobbie is coming to talk to me about that.” – Ruben Amorim
Amorim admits that tough conversations about Mainoo’s future with the club came, especially one year ago. All those discussions failed to touch on why Mainoo wanted to depart Manchester United. He touches on the sensitive nature of maintaining open lines of communication with players considering their own futures.
“I just want my players [to be] happy and understand that every individual has their goals.” – Ruben Amorim
Amorim has always had a sharp vision of his future team and plan. He’s willing to talk about how things can be improved. He confirmed that if Mainoo himself is keen on a loan switch, he would be open to such conversations.
“That is also clear. I will not change if I don’t believe it, but I’m open to speak with any player.” – Ruben Amorim
The Path Forward for Mainoo
With January fast approaching, there are unsubstantiated rumors that Kobbie Mainoo would be going on loan to Napoli. This appearance would provide him the opportunity to gain crucial playing time just ahead of the World Cup. He is looking to fancy a place in the England squad. After a recent successful loan spell and starting run of games, Mainoo knows how crucial consistent football can be for his development.
Amorim thinks that Mainoo can adapt to play three different roles in the midfield. He just needs to understand and anticipate how to fulfill his defensive responsibilities. He recommended using a three-midfielder setup as a way to give Mainoo more chances to stretch his legs on the field.
“Maybe if you play with three midfielders, not with just two, Kobbie will have more minutes.” – Ruben Amorim
Amorim went on to stress his love for talent. One man who is prepared to be flexible is Leaky if the relevant player proves their merit in practice and in games. This philosophy will create possibilities for Mainoo if he decides to seek a loan, so we’ll have to wait and see on that front.
“I think I proved that if you change my mind [you can get into the team].” – Ruben Amorim
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