Following the departure of Ruben Amorim, Kobbie Mainoo has returned to the Manchester United starting XI and according to Gary Neville, one Manchester United star in particular is benefitting from Mainoo’s return.
Before Ruben Amorim’s sacking, Kobbie Mainoo had not yet started a game in the Premier League this season. A spectacular fall from grace given the fact he was starting in a Euro’s final for England just 18 months ago.
Amorim explained that Mainoo was competing for the same spot as United skipper Bruno Fernandes, while Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte were competing for the other spot in midfield.
Mainoo had no desire to leave United permanently, but with a World Cup approaching, the Englishman asked to leave United on loan in a bid to play regularly. Over 10 clubs were said to have been keen, Napoli in particular, but United were adamant they did not want to let him leave.
Following Amorim’s dismissal and Michael Carrick’s arrival, Mainoo has now started consecutive games and has played outstandingly, both on-and-off the ball. A departure is now incredibly unlikely, with various sources claiming talks over a new contract will soon resume following an impasse in negotiations.
Scholes claims Mainoo is helping Fernandes
Paul Scholes was full of praise for Mainoo following United’s victory at the Emirates last weekend and claimed Fernandes is benefitting from Mainoo’s reintroduction to United’s midfield.
“I mean, that’s what I’m talking about with what Arsenal is missing,” he said on the Stick to Football podcast.
“Kobbie and Fernandes, they make your team play football. When they had just been doing it with Fernandes, they sent someone to play.
“He didn’t really have anyone to play with. Now, Kobbie’s also got that ability to play with someone. It makes a big difference.”
Amorim’s lack of tactical flexibility to blame for Mainoo’s lack of minutes
Ruben Amorim’s spell at Manchester United proved one thing: he is a bang average tactician. His inability, or at least unwillingness, to coach any shape apart from the 3-4-3 was his downfall at United, and it will also be his downfall in future jobs if he doesn’t do anything about it.
Manchester United’s squad was not suited to the 3-4-3. Instead of adapting to a back four, he persisted with a back three. The midfield was constantly cited as an area of weakness, but the fact is a midfield three of Fernandes, Mainoo and Casemiro is very well balanced and is more than good enough to finish in the top four. Amorim’s system, however, meant seeing that midfield trio wasn’t possible.
You can change your shape without abandoning your principles. A manager’s philosophy shouldn’t be tied to one formation. A prime example of this is Antonio Conte. He won Serie A last season at Napoli playing a back four, despite the fact he had regularly used a back three during his career. The principles of that Napoli side were very similar to previous Conte teams, despite the different shape.
Ruben Amorim may have success elsewhere, but one thing is blatantly clear: he was not ready to lead Manchester United. Not even close. It was a catastrophic mistake from INEOS which cost the club 14 months. In the summer, they will appoint a new permanent manager, and they can’t afford to get it wrong.
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