Ruben Amorim’s comments about Kobbie Mainoo during pre-season seem to make little sense after Manchester United’s opening two games of the season.
Kobbie Mainoo has remained an unused substitute in both of Manchester United’s opening Premier League games this season.
At Craven Cottage, moments after the away fans urged their team to “attack, attack, attack,” Ruben Amorim opted to bring on two centre-backs, once more leaving the Academy graduate on the sidelines.
That decision has heightened concerns about Mainoo’s role under the new manager, with reports indicating that a late move before the transfer deadline has not been ruled out.
Amorim has explained that Mainoo is in direct competition with Bruno Fernandes for a place in the side – a daunting challenge given the captain’s near ever-present status in the starting XI.
Amorim’s pre-season comments about Mainoo
Mainoo had a positive pre-season and things looked to be heading in the right direction for the midfielder, especially after Amorim said that he has ‘big plans’ for him.
Speaking during the tour of the United States about the Academy graduate, Amorim said: “I think he can play in both positions in the midfield.
“Last year, he played more in front. I think his perfect position is more near the ball, always with the ball. I think he’s a big talent and you guys know that better than me, that he is a big talent.
“I think he needs to increase the rhythm, the pace. I’m always on top of that with Kobbie because he’s so good sometimes, but he can be better.
“So I have big plans but, like I said, it’s one game per week and the competition is going to be huge. Everybody has to be prepared to play one game or play all the games. That is the key point in our season.”
Amorim’s comments make little sense with Fernandes role
Now, of course you can have big plans for a player and still not use them in the opening two games of the season, but that is not the main problem. It is impossible for any player at Old Trafford to have a significant role if they are only seen as the backup to club captain Fernandes.
For example, if Mainoo was to only have played as the alternative to Fernandes since his emergence, he would have started just 10 games overall.
Actions speak a lot louder than words, and although Mainoo is expected to start against Grimsby Town on Wednesday evening, Amorim needs to figure out a way to fit the 20-year-old into his team.
No one is expecting him to play every minute of every game – that was actually something that caused him issues – but there must be a clear plan for the player.
Some might think that it is an overreaction to be angered at these opening weeks, but it is undeniable that there are concerns, even though they can be fixed.
United do not have many Academy players in their first-team ranks right now, and it’s hard to see where any can break through if Mainoo cannot play consistently.
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