Rúben Amorim has called for one Manchester United starlet to show improvement once he returns from injury after a two-month layoff.
Prior to the quarter-final round of the Europa League, remarks from Manchester United’s André Onana and Lyon’s Nemanja Matic has raised the tension of this thrilling tie between the clubs.
Before their clash at The Groupama Stadium, United manager Rúben Amorim addressed multiple topics, from Joshua Zirkzee‘s assessment to ex-Premier League player Nemanja Matic’s remark.
In addition, the Portuguese manager acknowledged the return of a youngster that the fans are eager to see back on the pitch.
However, this piece of good news came with a slight concern as coach Amorim hinted at room for improvement within the player.
Amorim wants Mainoo to improve on certain areas
Kobee Mainoo was featured in England’s 2024 campaign. The English youngster has only started to be a regular for Man United last season. One of his biggest highlights for the club was the goal he scored in the FA Cup final.
After his appearance on February 7th against Leicester City, Mainoo was seen missing for manager Amorim. However, good news came for the Red Devils as Mainoo was seen training with the first team this Thursday.
For the last couple of months, he was recovering from an ankle injury. While the Englishman has been seen training with the first team, it is yet to be clear as to when we can expect a return to the squad.
Even manager Amorim has strongly recommended caution regarding Kobee Mainoo’s return. The manager has addressed the injury concerns over the Englishman and said, “He had some games out so we have to be careful with his fitness. We are really pleased with him, but we have to be careful with him.”
However, the manager has also pointed out that the English youngster has some room for improvement.
“But the way I see it – and I could be wrong – but I see some things that Kobbie has to improve,” Amorim said. “But I don’t see a full player at the moment; he is 19. If I say I have seen the final player, I don’t think I am helping Kobbie.”
What’s next for United?
As of right now, the focus is on the Europa League quarter-finals. The fixture just got more interesting after the heated exchange between André Onana and Nemanja Matic.
While Lyon would like to utilize the home crowd to have a comfortable lead over the Red Devils, Amorim’s team’s priority in the first leg is to have a comfortable goal advantage as well.
After their first match, they host Lyon in Old Trafford for the second leg on 18 April. However, before that, Amorim’s team travel to St. James’ Park to face Newcastle on Sunday.
Eddie Howe recently confirmed that Anthony Gordon and Joe Willock will likely not feature on Sunday in the North East due to injury and concussion, respectively.
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