Rúben Amorim has explained how he can make one of his superstar Manchester United players even better next season.
Rúben Amorim aims to improve his squad after Manchester United finished 15th in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final last season.
United have spent just under two weeks training at Chicago Fire’s training facilities, using it as a base for their three Premier League Summer Series fixtures against West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton.
United have looked much sharper across the 2025 summer fixtures, with new signing Matheus Cunha settling quickly and £65 million transfer Bryan Mbeumo also adjusting to life at Old Trafford.
Although the new additions are expected to improve the squad’s performances significantly, it is also hoped that many of those from the last campaign will be able to enhance their consistency in 2025/26.
Amorim truly believes his players will improve
While it is easy to point to the club’s 15th-placed finish last season and declare this as the ultimate indication of Amorim’s squad’s capabilities, many close to the club believe those in the team can improve significantly next season.
This is also a belief that Amorim holds. “I think if you look to every player, I think everyone can look at the player and say he can play better. I have that feeling,” the 40-year-old said.
“And I think it’s more, I said that so many times, it’s a team thing. It’s more like all the culture, the pace, the intensity, all these things is to understand the way we want to play. And last year was tough to do that with so many games and so many problems. That is the truth.
“We are in a better place, but we are just in the beginning. Because even the pressure of the game is going to be different. We are playing well. You can feel more freedom in the players. But then, when it starts, Premier League is going to be different. We’ll be ready for that.
“But I truly believe that there are a lot of players who can do better, and I can do better.”
Amorim is looking to improve Mainoo next season
While pre-season performances should not be taken as gospel, it has been undeniable that the performances of young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo have been those of a “superstar” in the United States.
There has been debate about where the 20-year-old will be playing next season, but Amorim has explained that he sees the England international as competition for Bruno Fernandes in the middle of the park.
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“Competition is going to help. If you see Matheus Cunha is playing, Mason Mount is on the bench,” Amorim explained. “Bruno and Kobbie Mainoo are in the same position. Bruno can do different positions and even Kobbie. These things will help.”
While doubts remain about whether Mainoo is athletic enough to cope with playing behind the front three, Amorim has reiterated that he is making sure the Academy graduate is faster next season and better at tracking players, which will lead to significant improvements.
“Mainoo, with those feet, playing the ball, if he finds the right pace, playing like every time I give the ball, I find a new solution. Every time the guy is running back, I can follow the guy because he can. He’s going to be faster.”
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