Kobbie Mainoo is set to return to Manchester United’s squad for their upcoming clash against Lyon in the quarter-final of the Europa League.
Manchester United brought through Academy sensation Kobbie Mainoo into the first-team last season and he immediately impressed under Erik ten Hag.
The 19-year-old was introduced in the midfield pivot of a 4-2-3-1 formation and excelled despite the team difficulties across the campaign.
An FA Cup final winner topped the season off brilliantly and then Mainoo went and played at Euro 2024 with England, where he was a standout performer for the runners-up.
This season has been slightly more difficult for Mainoo, who has had injury problems and has yet to fit into Ruben Amorim’s new 3-4-3 system perfectly.
Mainoo’s stance on United position swap is clear
Mainoo is returning to action in the Europa League this week against Lyon after two months out of action with an injury and that will allow Amorim to continue testing where the teenager works best in his team.
Before his setback, the midfielder had been used as one of the no.10s in the system and produced a stunning performance against FCSB, grabbing a goal and assist in a 2-0 win.
Amorim is likely going to continue trying to use Mainoo in that position as he believes he is a real danger around the opposition’s box and the player has admitted he’s “comfortable” in that position.
“Yeah, definitely, It’s a lot more freedom and I felt comfortable up there, especially as the game went on and I got used to it a bit more. I was happy and I was enjoying it,” he said after the FCSB win.
Many fans might have not been aware that Mainoo actually played in that advanced midfield position a lot in his Academy years.
“Yeah, it didn’t feel too new [vs FCSB] but I just haven’t done it in a while so I just had to get used to it a bit,” he added.
Amorim wants to push Mainoo to develop further
With the player being out of action and transfer rumours emerging in recent months, it has been easy for some fans to think that Mainoo isn’t in Amorim’s plans.
Yet the United boss is clearly a big fan of the player but wants to ensure that he does not get comfortable at his current level considering his immense talent.
“When I see Kobbie Mainoo, I see him not like a full player in the moment, because he’s 19. If I say to Kobbie ‘No, you are done, you are the final player’ I think I’m not helping Kobbie, that’s all,” Amorim said this week.
United fans will be excited to see the teenager back in action and while his long-term position may be deeper, it would be no surprise to see Amorim use him further forward to try and help a struggling United attack.
Mainoo himself has made it clear that he is more than happy to play in that advanced role for the team.
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