Gary Neville has noticed a big change in a Manchester United star which will put him in good stead ahead of a crucial season for the club
Manchester United have added four new players to their squad this summer so far, with Ruben Amorim looking to strengthen a side that finished 15th in the Premier League last season.
To address the disappointing 44 goals that United scored last season, they have signed a completely new front-line, announcing the signing of Matheus Cunha on the opening day of the transfer window, and later Bryan Mbeumo, following some lengthy negotiations with Brentford.
18-year-old left back Diego Leon also made his way to Manchester, with the Paraguayan talent having signed for the club in January, and impressed in pre-season.
United capped off their attacking transformation with the statement signing of Benjamin Šeško, taking United’s total spend so far to around £214 million. Now that the forward line has been addressed, the club have moved their focus to signing a new midfielder, and potentially a new goalkeeper.
Gary Neville noticed a change in Mainoo
Having burst onto the scene under Erik ten Hag in the 2023/24 season, the last campaign turned out to be a somewhat disappointing one, as he was unable to establish himself on Amorim’s side due to some injuries and a resurgence of form for Casemiro.
It’s clear to see that the 20-year-old is highly rated at the club, and after impressing during pre-season, Mainoo will potentially have a more key role to play this coming season.
Speaking on The Overlap, legendary Manchester United right-back, Gary Neville spoke on Mainoo reclaiming his spot in Amorim’s starting 11.
“I looked at Kobbie Mainoo last week, and it looked like he has physically changed,” Neville noted. “He looked stronger and sturdier than he was before.
“I thought he would be an absolute certainty to play as one of the two midfield players for Man Utd in the next few years, but Rubem Amorim doesn’t see it that way.”
Mainoo has to be a key player in the side
United have been linked with a number of midfielders to reinforce the position following the departure of Christian Eriksen, and Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte’s form has been questionable.
Names such as Carlos Baleba, Morten Hjulmand and Adam Wharton have all been rumoured with a move to United, but the Academy graduate may have the greatest potential out of all the names.
Amorim deployed Mainoo in one of the deeper midfield roles in pre-season, and the 20-year-old impressed in many of his performances, looking much more comfortable there.
With Mainoo being touted as the potential successor to United captain Bruno Fernandes in the defensive midfield pivot, the 20-year-old’s physical changes hint that he is ready for the challenge.
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